Meaning & use

authoritative

adjective·Academic

Recognized as accurate, reliable, and commanding respect because of expertise, evidence, or official standing.

See it in a sentence

The professor's authoritative book on the subject is still cited by researchers today.

He spoke in an authoritative tone that made everyone in the room listen closely.

A note on using this word

Authoritative can describe a trustworthy source of information or a confident, commanding manner of speaking or behaving.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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