1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others after a couple of authoritative critics panned the movie, the other reviewers rushed to say how awful it was

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of authoritative Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth. Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025 Those that share traits with the permissive style, such as giving in to the child’s demands, might struggle more than those who lean toward the authoritative style. Anna Earl, Parents, 2 July 2025 Whereas serif fonts feel authoritative and timeless, sans serif fonts can feel modern or informal. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Ralphs’ tasteful, authoritative and often-underrated guitar work and songwriting acumen were a trademark of both bands across the 1970s. Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • To be fair, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is, well, the definitive inside story.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the platform nears its 15th anniversary, Instagram is launching a bold new campaign called ANYWAY—a global creative movement co-created with some of today’s most influential artists, including Tyler,The Creator, Rosalía, Fred Again.., Cole Bennett, Clint 419, Nadia Lee Cohen, and Slawn.
    Bryanna Symone, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Keen, one of the most influential artists in Texas history, has a ranch outside Kerrville.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Whether Trump's death quelled or accelerated authoritarian forces remains an open question.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • All of these factors and their contribution to alienation can foster authoritarian beliefs and individualism.
    Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the lithium in our solar system and the wider Milky Way galaxy comes from classical nova explosions like V572 Velorum and V462 Lupi, according to a paper published in 2020.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Although their identities remain anonymous for now, the outlet reported various facts such as more members of the jury label themselves listeners of classical music rather than Hip-Hop.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and funny recounting of Jennette McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2025
  • Even when observers were given the personal backstory behind a tattoo, their judgments didn’t become significantly more accurate.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, Ackles joined the cast of Prime Video's The Boys as arrogant superhero Soldier Boy.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • Her larger-than-life ego and past as a shaman make Player 044 come off as arrogant and selfish, getting under just about everyone's skin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Based on her own rigorous reporting, interviews, and research, Meltzer delivers the first comprehensive biography of Jane Birkin to date.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
  • For the first time, the public had access to a centralized, comprehensive online resource offering the latest research on sea level change, along with an interactive database that allowed users to explore how sea levels have changed over recent decades.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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