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
Still, McGrath and the others are noticing more of a shift away from physical discipline and the tide turning toward authoritative parenting–which McGrath views as a positive development of newer generations opting to base their parenting styles on research rather than tradition.
—
Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025
In under 20 words, Grisham establishes an authoritative voice, introduces the narrator, and hints at conflict between father and son, sparking curiosity.
—G Kirilloff, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Believers in fact-checking insist that there's value to society in telling the public what is — and isn't — authoritative information, grounded in vetted research and verifiable records, in fields like medicine and public affairs.
—Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
The most authoritative survey indicated that fifty-two per cent of the Jewish population supported settlements in January.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for authoritative 
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Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025
In under 20 words, Grisham establishes an authoritative voice, introduces the narrator, and hints at conflict between father and son, sparking curiosity.
—G Kirilloff, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Believers in fact-checking insist that there's value to society in telling the public what is — and isn't — authoritative information, grounded in vetted research and verifiable records, in fields like medicine and public affairs.
—Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
The most authoritative survey indicated that fifty-two per cent of the Jewish population supported settlements in January.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for authoritative
Dictionary Entries Near authoritative
Cite this Entry
“Authoritative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritative. Accessed 22 Jan. 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
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