authoritative

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce authoritative (audio)
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
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.
Modern viewers have short-attention spans and the ones who still watch broadcast TV still gravitate to an authoritative solo figure who talks to them about politics, natural disasters, overseas drama and even popular culture. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 But this information is not revealed through title cards or authoritative talking heads. Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025 Publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's authoritative scientific publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, has also been delayed, health officials said. CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025 The development cements Nielsen's reputation as the most authoritative provider of TV measurement. Kerry Flynn, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for authoritative 

Word History

Etymology

authority + -ative

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoritative was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near authoritative

Cite this Entry

“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

authoritative

adjective
au·​thor·​i·​ta·​tive ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv How to pronounce authoritative (audio)
ȯ-,
-ˈthȯr-
: having or coming from authority
authoritatively adverb
authoritativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authoritative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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