authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv 

ȯ-,

-ˈthär-

1

: having, marked by, or proceeding from authority

authoritative church doctrines

an authoritative decision

an authoritative manner

2

: possessing recognized or evident authority : clearly accurate or knowledgeable

an authoritative critique

an authoritative source of information

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun

Synonyms

• classic
• classical
• definitive
• magisterial

Examples of authoritative in a Sentence

The book is an authoritative guide to the city's restaurants.

His manner is polite but authoritative.

She addressed the group with an authoritative voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

His matter-of-fact voiceover, while authoritative, laments that movie’s lack of success. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 25 Dec. 2024

Monitor Regulatory Changes: Scan regulatory agencies and authoritative sources and alert if any updates are relevant to your business. —Venky Yerrapotu, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Evan Mobley made six three-point shots in the Cavs' authoritative victory over the Charlotte Hornets Saturday, including five in a lights-out first quarter. —Sam Allard, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

Your 1987 portrayal of Titus Andronicus for the Royal Shakespeare Company was a sensation and has been called the authoritative interpretation of the role. —Andrew Goldman, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv 

ȯ-,

-ˈthȯr-

: having or coming from authority

authoritatively adverb

authoritativeness noun