Antonyms for authoritative
əˈθɔr ɪˌteɪ tɪv, əˈθɒr-au·thor·i·ta·tive

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. authoritativeadjective

   Highly accurate or definitive; treated or worthy of treatment as a scholarly authority

   This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.

   Synonyms:
   proper, definitive, precise

2. authoritativeadjective

   Synonyms:
   of record

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. authoritative

   In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical. Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical. A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions; imperious signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An imperious demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an arrogant demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an arbitrary demand by its unreasonableness; an imperious disposition is liable to become arbitrary and arrogant. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an imperious manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. Commanding is always used in a good sense; as, a commanding appearance; a commanding eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

   Antonyms:
   accountable, complaisant, compliant, conditional, constitutional, contingent, docile, ductile, gentle, humble, lenient, limited, lowly, meek, mild, responsible, submissive, yielding

   Synonyms:
   absolute, arbitrary, arrogant, autocratic, coercive, commanding, compulsive, compulsory, controlling, despotic, dictatorial, dogmatic, domineering, exacting, haughty, imperative, imperious, irresponsible, lordly, overbearing, peremptory, positive, supreme, tyrannical, unconditional, unequivocal

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. authoritative

   Antonyms:
   weak, inconclusive, vague, indeterminate, indefinite, vacillating, undecisive, bland, conciliatory, affable, lenient, persuasive

   Synonyms:
   decisive, sure, conclusive, authentic, powerful, firm, potent, dictatorial, imperious, arbitrary, arrogant, imperative, dogmatic, commanding

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. authoritative, importantadjective

   having authority or ascendancy or influence

   "an important official"; "the captain's authoritative manner"

   Antonyms:
   unofficial, nonstandard, uninfluential

   Synonyms:
   authorised, significant, classic, authorized, of import, important, crucial, definitive, classical

2. authoritative, classical, classic, definitiveadjective

   of recognized authority or excellence

   "the definitive work on Greece"; "classical methods of navigation"

   Antonyms:
   uninfluential, unofficial, nonstandard

   Synonyms:
   authorised, classic, authorized, important, unequivocal, determinate, definitive, classical

3. authoritative, authorized, authorisedadjective

   sanctioned by established authority

   "an authoritative communique"; "the authorized biography"

   Antonyms:
   uninfluential, nonstandard, unofficial

   Synonyms:
   definitive, authorised, classic, important, authorized, classical

How to use authoritative in a sentence?

1. Kathleen Carley:

   Even if someone appears to be from your community, if you don't know The Carnegie Mellon researchers personally, take a closer look, and always go to authoritative or trusted sources for information, just be very vigilant.

2. Christopher Steer:

   I would consider this research to be of high quality from a recognized authoritative source, the figure of 17 % is certainly strikingly high, well above previous indirect indications pointing to levels of between 2 % and 5 %.

3. Michael McAdams:

   The difference is ... Pruitt had an absolute disdain for Washington, pruitt went behind closed doors and took an authoritative position. That's not how Andy will operate.

4. Loren Weisman:

   Online motivation and inspiration with little information or authentic and authoritative direction seems to be on the same level as the addiction to online porn.

5. Sergio Mattarella:

   I asked for that ministry an authoritative political figure from the coalition parties who was not seen as the supporter of a line that could provoke Italy's exit from the euro.

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