authoritative
Americanadjective
-
having due authority; having the sanction or weight of authority.
an authoritative opinion.
- Synonyms:
- official
-
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.
-
having an air of authority; accustomed to exercising authority; positive; peremptory; dictatorial.
said with an authoritative air.
- Synonyms:
- authoritarian, dogmatic
adjective
-
recognized or accepted as being true or reliable
an authoritative article on drugs
-
exercising or asserting authority; commanding
an authoritative manner
-
possessing or supported by authority; official
an authoritative communiqué
Other Word Forms
- authoritatively adverb
- authoritativeness noun
- nonauthoritative adjective
- nonauthoritatively adverb
- nonauthoritativeness noun
- unauthoritative adjective
- unauthoritatively adverb
- unauthoritativeness noun
Etymology
Origin of authoritative
First recorded in 1595–1605; authorit(y) + -ative
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He questioned Sauer’s reliance on “Roman law sources” and other obscure citations while pointing out that more relevant, authoritative sources cut against his argument.
From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026
The complaint also argues that Jonasi presented his translation “as authoritative fact, not comedy,” so it shouldn’t get the 1st Amendment protections afforded to parody and satire.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
"I got taken in the office with a policeman and Mr Phillips was being all authoritative," Karen explains.
From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026
Details of stock-market performance by sector are available from the authoritative database compiled and maintained by Kenneth French, the legendary finance professor at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026
It’s funny that his job is basically to order us around and be stressed out, because he’s the least authoritative person I’ve ever met.
From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
