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.

   Synonyms: authoritarian, dogmatic

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

Derived Forms

• auˈthoritativeness, noun
• auˈthoritatively, adverb

Other Words From

• au·thori·tative·ly adverb
• au·thori·tative·ness noun
• nonau·thori·tative adjective
• nonau·thori·tative·ly adverb
• nonau·thori·tative·ness noun
• unau·thori·tative adjective
• unau·thori·tative·ly adverb
• unau·thori·tative·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of authoritative¹

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

Example Sentences

“Precise and circumspect, with an avuncular demeanor and an authoritative voice .... Summerall indulged his partner’s many appetites and asides, even when that meant being elbowed aside at the mike and in the limelight.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The whole point of fake news is not only to circulate different narratives but to undermine our ability to distinguish between these narratives and to trust authoritative sources of information,” Beiner said.

From Salon

Did those warnings from authoritative sources — eminent figures Trump once appointed to high-ranking jobs — have any effect on his voters as election day approaches?

From Los Angeles Times

A small, neat, quietly authoritative figure in a black polo neck.

From BBC

What’s the best way to provide them with authoritative information that would leave no doubt what we need to rebuild if that becomes necessary?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accurate
• authentic
• definitive
• dependable
• factual
• reliable
• scholarly
• trustworthy
• truthful