in authority

ADJECTIVE

responsible

Synonyms

STRONGEST

answerable culpable guilty liable pledged subject

WEAK

at fault at the helm authoritative bonded bound bound to carrying the load censurable chargeable compelled constrained contracted decision-making devolving on duty-bound engaged executive exposed fettered hampered held high in control incumbent minding the store obligated obliged on the hook open susceptive sworn to tied to blame under contract under obligation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

innocent right unaccountable

WEAK

excused exempt free immature immune irresponsible untrustworthy

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.

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in authority

“My client relied on information and guidance provided by those in authority and had no criminal intent.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026

High levels of distrust in authority in certain communities, including ethnic minority groups and people living in deprived areas, was and is also a factor.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

"People in authority lie," the government official continued, adding that people must act as "the CEOs of our own health."

From Barron's ● Jan. 15, 2026

The effect has been to weaken public faith in authority more widely.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

By this point, I think you understand how the boy felt about that word, about people in authority promising to do things for his own good.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

in authority

Example Sentences

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