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
Synonyms
- classic
- classical
- definitive
- magisterial
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Landing earned media placements also helps ensure authoritative sources link back to your site—which is great for SEO. 
Miriam Ravkin, Forbes, 29 June 2022 The new emphasis on disinformation follows a surge just before and during the invasion, as well as a commitment that Microsoft and other tech companies made to the European Union to promote authoritative sources. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 22 June 2022 Another person may have an authoritative role in your life at the moment. Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2022 And leading a smaller department required new skills of Cox; his authoritative yet soft-spoken demeanor sometimes failed to translate vision to action. Ivy Scott, BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2022 Or there was an absolutely definitive statement in one of these books from a very authoritative scientist that no dreams have plots or stories. David Marchesephotograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 28 July 2022 The course is taught by a Jesuit professor who immediately impresses Fogle with his authoritative bearing. Jon Baskin, The New Yorker, 27 July 2022 The former have recruited physicians as an authoritative face for their policies and anti-public-health messaging. Olivia Goldhill, STAT, 26 July 2022 In 2019, Buffington gave the final authoritative identification of a giant hornet found in Blaine, which had been sent to him by Washington state and APHIS for confirmation. Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 July 2022 See More
Miriam Ravkin, Forbes, 29 June 2022 The new emphasis on disinformation follows a surge just before and during the invasion, as well as a commitment that Microsoft and other tech companies made to the European Union to promote authoritative sources. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 22 June 2022 Another person may have an authoritative role in your life at the moment. Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2022 And leading a smaller department required new skills of Cox; his authoritative yet soft-spoken demeanor sometimes failed to translate vision to action. Ivy Scott, BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2022 Or there was an absolutely definitive statement in one of these books from a very authoritative scientist that no dreams have plots or stories. David Marchesephotograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 28 July 2022 The course is taught by a Jesuit professor who immediately impresses Fogle with his authoritative bearing. Jon Baskin, The New Yorker, 27 July 2022 The former have recruited physicians as an authoritative face for their policies and anti-public-health messaging. Olivia Goldhill, STAT, 26 July 2022 In 2019, Buffington gave the final authoritative identification of a giant hornet found in Blaine, which had been sent to him by Washington state and APHIS for confirmation. Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see authority
First Known Use
1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
authoritative
adjective
au·thor·i·ta·tive ə-ˈthȯr-ə-ˌtā-tiv
: having or coming from authority
an authoritative order
authoritative
adjective
1
as in definitive
being the most accurate and apparently thorough this book is considered the most authoritative source on that subject Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- definitive
- accurate
- comprehensive
- magisterial
- classical
- official
- conclusive
- classic
- decisive
- approved
- thorough
- correct
- exhaustive
- complete
- sanctioned
2
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others after a couple of authoritative critics panned the movie, the other reviewers rushed to say how awful it was Synonyms & Similar Words
- influential
- forceful
- dominant
- cogent
- important
- dominating
- weighty
- predominant
- eminent
- supreme
- masterful
- controlling
- sovereign
- regnant
- momentous
- sovran
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- powerless
- helpless
- impotent
- incapable
- unable
3
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around she's very authoritative for someone who doesn't actually outrank us Synonyms & Similar Words
- authoritarian
- domineering
- arrogant
- commanding
- masterful
- aggressive
- autocratic
- bossy
- proud
- imperious
- overbearing
- dictatorial
- despotic
- peremptory
- tyrannical
- controlling
- important
- magisterial
- tyrannous
- autocratical
- stern
- superior
- regimental
- tyrannic
- assertive
- supercilious
- haughty
- assumptive
- disdainful
- presumptuous
- pretentious
- imperial
- arbitrary
- uppity
- dictating
- huffy
- uppish
- presuming
- imperative
- directorial
- lofty
- omnipotent
- lordly
- high-and-mighty
- pompous
- highfalutin
- overweening
- self-asserting
- hifalutin
- high-handed
- conceited
- fastuous
- almighty
- narcissistic
- self-assertive
- toplofty
- high-hat
- all-powerful
- vain
- toploftical
- firm
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- humble
- modest
- obedient
- meek
- unassuming
- docile
- amenable
- tractable
- passive
- compliant
- submissive
- indecisive
- irresolute
- acquiescent
- yielding
- resigned