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a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of magisterial

Thanks to the director’s magisterial knack with actors (especially non-professionals such as terrific adolescent discovery Nykiya Adams, who, as the protagonist, is in nearly every frame of the film), the result is quite entrancing. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024

The magisterial Japanese noise artist Masami Akita, who has released hundreds of implacably obliterative recordings under the name Merzbow, has shown self-awareness about this mentality of domination. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

This magisterial four-volume history (now updated to 2020), discusses the development of every Porsche, including the 908. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024

The hotel is housed in the former stock exchange of Venice, a fittingly magisterial building on the Calle Larga XXII Marzo, a prime shopping street just off the Piazza San Marco. —Zoe Dubno, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024