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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.

But the judge said he had no authority to undo Essayli’s designation as first assistant.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“Of this amount, the Budget includes $1.1 trillion in base discretionary budget authority specifically for DoW in 2027,” reads part of the release.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"We've always felt the local authority lacked the capacity or resources to deal with a complex and controversial plan of this nature."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

States have exclusive authority to govern and administer state and local elections.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

In short, she stood up to a person of authority in high dudgeon.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.