1
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
the leading authority on neural anatomy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in governments
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
I had good authority to believe that the information was correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the Bible is the sole authority for his impassioned defense of creationism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of authorities
Ramos-Soto pled guilty to the wire fraud charge on April 4, 2024, according to federal authorities.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
The suspects then loaded the ATM onto a trailer attached to a U-Haul box truck and fled the area, authorities said.
—Maggie Ybarra, Baltimore Sun, 24 Dec. 2024
The victims were asked to provide bail money in cash so their relative could be released immediately, according to federal authorities.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
Residing or working in the country without legal status and submitting false documents to government authorities for a range of benefits or for employment is already a federal crime.
—Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024
Hoboken authorities didn’t immediately respond to a request for further information about the investigation.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Dec. 2024
Russia reportedly offered Sudanese authorities a S-400 anti-aircraft missile system in an attempt to sway them into agreement, but fears over Western backlash caused the country to deny Moscow's request.
—Hugh Cameron, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
But despite the headline-grabbing incidents, authorities say crime is actually down in New York and on its transit systems.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
Though the official death toll remains at 35, authorities say that any estimates are likely major undercounts, with hundreds feared dead.
—Sam Mednick and Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
The suspects then loaded the ATM onto a trailer attached to a U-Haul box truck and fled the area, authorities said.
—Maggie Ybarra, Baltimore Sun, 24 Dec. 2024
The victims were asked to provide bail money in cash so their relative could be released immediately, according to federal authorities.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
Residing or working in the country without legal status and submitting false documents to government authorities for a range of benefits or for employment is already a federal crime.
—Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024
Hoboken authorities didn’t immediately respond to a request for further information about the investigation.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Dec. 2024
Russia reportedly offered Sudanese authorities a S-400 anti-aircraft missile system in an attempt to sway them into agreement, but fears over Western backlash caused the country to deny Moscow's request.
—Hugh Cameron, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
But despite the headline-grabbing incidents, authorities say crime is actually down in New York and on its transit systems.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
Though the official death toll remains at 35, authorities say that any estimates are likely major undercounts, with hundreds feared dead.
—Sam Mednick and Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authorities
Noun
-
While security measures at hospitals have increased following the shooting, experts warn that these efforts may be temporary unless significant changes are made.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
-
And most of all recommendations, from chefs, meat experts, and in many cookbooks, wouldn't recommend anything past medium.Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Griswold’s story was so thoroughly accepted that, through the 20th century, no one, including academic scholars, thought to question it.David B. Parker, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
-
This Chesapeake Bay island is so isolated that some scholars believe the accent here still retains traces of Elizabethan English, from way back when it was settled in the 17th century.Nicholas DeRenzo, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
And then, the OECD held a public consultation over the summer on a draft user guide for the GLOBE Information Return XML Schema, the technical format that tax administrations will use to exchange GLOBE information returns that taxpayers have to file.Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Previous administrations have stood up specialized councils via executive orders, executives noted.Hannah Lang, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Collaborating with other artists is an effective way to expand your reach.Justin Grome, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
-
Collaborate with other artists.Justin Grome, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near authorities
Cite this Entry
“Authorities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authorities. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share