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View synonyms for authoritative

authoritative

[uh-thawr-i-tey-tiv, uh-thor-]

adjective

  1. having due authority; having the sanction or weight of authority.

    an authoritative opinion.

    Synonyms: official
  2. substantiated or supported by documentary evidence and accepted by most authorities in a field.

    an authoritative edition of Shakespeare; an authoritative treatment of a subject.

  3. having an air of authority; accustomed to exercising authority; positive; peremptory; dictatorial.

    said with an authoritative air.



authoritative

/ ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪv /

adjective

  1. recognized or accepted as being true or reliable

    an authoritative article on drugs

  2. exercising or asserting authority; commanding

    an authoritative manner

  3. possessing or supported by authority; official

    an authoritative communiqué

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • authoritativeness noun
  • authoritatively adverb
  • nonauthoritative adjective
  • nonauthoritatively adverb
  • nonauthoritativeness noun
  • unauthoritative adjective
  • unauthoritatively adverb
  • unauthoritativeness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of authoritative1

First recorded in 1595–1605; authorit(y) + -ative
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The UN and a number of Western nations have said that they will only consider a ruling by a court that genocide is taking place as authoritative.

From BBC

Walt is in no sense an outlier here; he’s an authoritative voice of what we might call left-liberal “realist” foreign policy opinion.

From Salon

In statements read to Woolwich Crown Court, former colleagues of Albert described him as "funny, authoritative and motivated".

From BBC

Instead of the ideals listed above, people eager to assume authoritative roles and participate in policies that emphasize dominance and public brutality may be attracted to the agency.

From Salon

In his 2008 book “Dominion! How Kingdom Action Can Change the World,” he urged Christians to take authoritative control of cultural institutions.

From Salon

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