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Definitions

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.

In Kedah's Muda Agricultural Development Authority areas, the main dam reservoir for the region is at just eight percent, according to local reports.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which handles over $250 billion of Canadian trade annually, is also pursuing a project to expand capacity by 30%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

However, Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh had suggested the fight could be jeopardised if Dua Lipa did not agree to perform as part of the event's promotion.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Robledo, 67, wants to shut down the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the city-county agency that oversees social services at the city’s hotels, motels and other interim housing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The War Relocation Authority moved into musty offices at the old W. W. Beason Cannery dock, just outside Amity Harbor.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Vocabulary lists containing authority

"Of Mice and Men"

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Trumps

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Nothing But the Truth

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