authoritative
adjective
au·thor·i·ta·tive
ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv 
ȯ-,
-ˈthär-
1
: having, marked by, or proceeding from authority
authoritative church doctrines
an authoritative decision
an authoritative manner
2
: possessing recognized or evident authority : clearly accurate or knowledgeable
an authoritative critique
an authoritative source of information
authoritatively
adverb
authoritativeness
noun
Examples of authoritative in a Sentence
The book is an authoritative guide to the city's restaurants.
His manner is polite but authoritative.
She addressed the group with an authoritative voice.
Recent Examples on the Web
This was the sort of authoritative result that proves Missouri could make some noise come March.
—
Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Isbell’s authoritative vocal performance also highlighted his savvy wordplay and observations, tools that reinforced his music’s tight links with descriptive language and honest perspective.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Documentaries recounting the show’s famous moments and scandals have littered the airwaves over the years, and the book Live From New York already offers an authoritative history.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
Keep in mind that authoritative parenting is not permissive.
—Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
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.
Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Isbell’s authoritative vocal performance also highlighted his savvy wordplay and observations, tools that reinforced his music’s tight links with descriptive language and honest perspective.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Documentaries recounting the show’s famous moments and scandals have littered the airwaves over the years, and the book Live From New York already offers an authoritative history.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
Keep in mind that authoritative parenting is not permissive.
—Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritative
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authoritative
adjective
au·thor·i·ta·tive
ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv
ȯ-,
-ˈthȯr-
: having or coming from authority
authoritatively
adverb
authoritativeness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share