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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.

Discretion that is “suitably directed and limited” would “ensure … the sentencing authority is apprised of the information relevant to the imposition of sentence and provided with standards to guide its use of that information.”

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

And in two-and-a-half years, he will no longer have any authority to enforce compliance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

"It's high time we came up with a strategy," Laurence Debrincat of the Paris regional transport authority said last month, pushing for the suburban-and-rural approach.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Following a backlash from the community, the local authority pressed pause on the enforcement action while it reviewed its policy.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Nhamo had never heard anyone question the authority of an nganga—except the trader and his wife.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer




Vocabulary lists containing authority


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