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

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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

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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 Read the issue » The result was a little frightening in its modern sense of detachment; in its remote, authoritative rigor; and in its gimlet-eyed, Olympian overview of clearly sordid motives. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 Zoom out: While Nielsen has been criticized by TV networks for having outdated methodology, it's still considered the most authoritative measurement vendor in the industry. Axios, 3 Feb. 2025 Vancouver had an authoritative control of shots and scoring chances but fell 3-2 in overtime. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025 Voters were searching elsewhere for authoritative opinion. Peter Bart, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritative
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • There are no rigid timeframes and no definitive way to approach your trip.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The most influential leaders establish credibility through reliability, transparency, and consistency in their messaging.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Weighing most heavily on the market was superstar stock Nvidia, one of Wall Street’s most influential companies that’s been leading the market for years.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But by ceding global leadership to authoritarian China, Trump is creating a world that will almost certainly be hostile to the United States, its prosperity, and its people.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • My Favourite Cake has incurred the wrath of Iran’s authoritarian Islamic Republic regime due to the fact that Farhadpour is shown without a headscarf, while her character is also seen seeking companionship with an equally lonely widower and drinking wine with him.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The off-season offers hiking, horseback riding, and classical music performances.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Our enabling equipment has become smaller and more versatile, and classical computing has become enormously quicker and more capable.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's Your Zodiac Love Compatibility, Based on Your Sign Sagittarius: Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians To maintain her relationship, Rachel takes on a fight with her boyfriend’s domineering mother Eleanor.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • He’s had something of a habit of playing domineering fathers, doing so on Ugly Betty (2006–2007) and as Charles Widmore on Lost (2006–2010).
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Villa’s left-back then tries to find Watkins, but his cross isn’t accurate.
    Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • After her mother’s death, Sevilla-Bazan struggled to get an accurate sense from Bishop or his followers of what exactly happened.
    David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Packer, several surefire ways to ensure success start here: Be arrogant!
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In 1254, King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile were married at a very young age, and although Edward had a reputation for being arrogant and quarrelsome, the pair eventually fell deeply in love.
    Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits will help attract and retain talent.
    Anthony Milewski, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • For a more comprehensive camouflage, a dye will seal the deal.
    Deanna Pai, Allure, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritative. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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