authority

[uh-thawr-i-tee, uh-thor-] / əˈθɔr ɪ ti, əˈθɒr- /

NOUN

power, control

Synonyms

STRONGEST

force government jurisdiction rule

STRONG

ascendancy authorization beef charge clout command credit domination dominion edge esteem goods guts influence juice jump license mastery might permission permit pizazz pow powerhouse prerogative prestige punch right ropes say say-so steam strength stuff supremacy sway warrant weight word

WEAK

leg up might and main strong arm upper hand what it takes whip hand

Antonyms

STRONG

breach break disadvantage inferiority lack lethargy powerlessness prohibition subordination weakness

NOUN

expert, animate or inanimate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

expert judge law

STRONG

Bible CEO arbiter aristocrat boss brains brass buff connoisseur czar egghead establishment exec executive feds governor guru kingfish kingpin pro professional professor pundit scholar specialist textbook upstairs veteran virtuoso whiz wizard

WEAK

big cheese big shot big wig city hall front office ivory dome power elite top brass top dog top hand

Antonyms

STRONG

amateur greenhorn ignoramus proletariat rookie student

Usage

What are other ways to say authority? Authority is a power or right, usually because of rank or office, to issue commands and to punish for violations: to have authority over subordinates. Control is either power or influence applied to the complete and successful direction or manipulation of persons or things: to be in control of a project. Influence is a personal and unofficial power derived from deference of others to one's character, ability, or station; it may be exerted unconsciously or may operate through persuasion: to have influence over one's friends.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The authorities have been setting up centres around Kyiv for the city's inhabitants to go to warm up.

From BBC

Since the Taliban authorities returned to power in 2021 and imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, many artists have left Afghanistan.

From Barron's

But it is not clear when exactly "day zero" will hit as the authorities have stepped in with water restrictions and emergency funding.

From BBC

Critics have long flagged concern about media repression in China, where authorities have arrested and prosecuted journalists, accusing them of causing trouble.

From BBC

But DoJ regulators have the authority to decide whether to approve or block the deal.

From BBC

authority

Usage

Example Sentences

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