Synonyms of magisterial

magisterial

adjective

ˌma-jə-ˈstir-ē-əl 

as in authoritative

being the most accurate and apparently thorough

a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authoritative
• classical
• definitive
• classic
• comprehensive
• official
• accurate
• conclusive
• decisive
• correct
• approved
• exhaustive
• complete
• sanctioned
• thorough

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective magisterial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of magisterial are dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When is it sensible to use dictatorial instead of magisterial?

The words dictatorial and magisterial can be used in similar contexts, but dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When would doctrinaire be a good substitute for magisterial?

While in some cases nearly identical to magisterial, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

In what contexts can dogmatic take the place of magisterial?

While the synonyms dogmatic and magisterial are close in meaning, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When might oracular be a better fit than magisterial?

Although the words oracular and magisterial have much in common, oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of magisterial

His magisterial trilogy, The Coming of the Third Reich, The Third Reich in Power, and The Third Reich at War, is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the forces that shaped the world between the end of World War I and 1945. —Jim Kelly, airmail.news, 10 Aug. 2024

Like so much of the imagery of Ripley, this valley cupped along the Amalfi Coast appears magisterial and cold. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2024

As of this writing, two months past Robert Caro’s 88th birthday, the fifth and concluding volume of this magisterial, utterly necessary biography is still unpublished. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024

Here are five other movies about the magisterial singer-songwriter whose life and lyrics have forever expanded the contours of American music. —Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024