1
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in governments
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the Bible is the sole authority for his impassioned defense of creationism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authorities
These include the offices of the country’s beleaguered transitional authorities and the National Palace, and Pétion-Ville either on the verge of collapse or invaded by armed groups.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Georgescu, a pro-Russian candidate, was detained by Romanian authorities in late February after an investigation into his campaign was launched on allegations of election fraud and Russian interference.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
While many sanctuary cities in California continue to refuse cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the state's sanctuary laws include exceptions for undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
The attack was the third in less than two months that French authorities attributed to Islamic extremists, and prompted the government to raise its security alert to the maximum level.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Galloway Township detectives busted up the sadistic operation after uncovering online invitations to a March 2024 event, scheduled to take place at a private residence with an arena built specifically to host rooster fights, authorities said.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025
It is also largely detested across the territory, especially in the refugee camps, where it is seen as a tool of Israeli authorities.
—Julia Frankel, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Court documents reveal that of the 11 people arrested in connection with this case, nine were living in the United States without legal status, primarily from Sinaloa, where authorities say the crime ring is headquartered.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
This fake news gave white authorities the pretense to quash Black organizing and control Black labor.
—Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made By History, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Georgescu, a pro-Russian candidate, was detained by Romanian authorities in late February after an investigation into his campaign was launched on allegations of election fraud and Russian interference.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
While many sanctuary cities in California continue to refuse cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the state's sanctuary laws include exceptions for undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
The attack was the third in less than two months that French authorities attributed to Islamic extremists, and prompted the government to raise its security alert to the maximum level.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Galloway Township detectives busted up the sadistic operation after uncovering online invitations to a March 2024 event, scheduled to take place at a private residence with an arena built specifically to host rooster fights, authorities said.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025
It is also largely detested across the territory, especially in the refugee camps, where it is seen as a tool of Israeli authorities.
—Julia Frankel, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Court documents reveal that of the 11 people arrested in connection with this case, nine were living in the United States without legal status, primarily from Sinaloa, where authorities say the crime ring is headquartered.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
This fake news gave white authorities the pretense to quash Black organizing and control Black labor.
—Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made By History, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
The crime rate and homicide rate dropped after the state of emergency, but behind closed doors, experts allege there have been significant human rights abuses.—
Josh Meyer,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The spell of dry weather and a colder than normal winter is making the spring ripe for wildfires in South Florida, fire experts are predicting.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Griswold’s story was so thoroughly accepted that, through the 20th century, no one, including academic scholars, thought to question it.—
David B. Parker,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2025
-
This Chesapeake Bay island is so isolated that some scholars believe the accent here still retains traces of Elizabethan English, from way back when it was settled in the 17th century.—
Nicholas DeRenzo,
AFAR Media,
6 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Gas prices have been a controversial issue and at the epicenter of political conversations regarding energy and the economy during the last two presidential administrations.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Through the turmoil of changing administrations and a global pandemic, scores of veteran prosecutors fled for private practice or judgeships, leaving large gaps in leadership.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Across the twentieth century, New York magazines were powerful convening spaces—not just for readers but for journalists, artists, photographers, and literary writers.—
Nathan Heller,
The New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Include Unique Visuals, Storytelling And Case Studies Creative artists and designers can elevate their personal brand by showcasing a unique, cohesive portfolio that highlights their signature style, versatility and impact.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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