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authority

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




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.

Separated by 14 miles, the two towns are in different local authority areas, with Broughty Ferry, a suburb of Dundee, and Arbroath falling under Angus Council's remit.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Societies across the world valued gold as a symbol of divinity, immortality, and authority; its rarity made it a special privilege to behold and possess.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Do not give an adviser withdrawal authority, read everything before signing, and get a lawyer or a certified public accountant to review the contract if necessary.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

The U.K. antitrust authority is looking into the transaction, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

This was the beginning of the Reformation; intellectuals everywhere began to reject the authority of the pope.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife




Vocabulary lists containing authority


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