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au·thor·i·ty
 authority
- pronunciation:
tho
rih
ti
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| inflections: |
authorities |
| definition 1: |
the right, power, or ability to give orders, make decisions, or demand or compel obedience.
As the principal, she has the greatest amount of authority in this school.A judge has the authority to perform marriages.The army overthrew the government and seized all authority.- synonyms:
- command, control, mastery, power
- similar words:
- dominion, jurisdiction, rule, say, sovereignty, strength, sway
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| definition 2: |
(usu. pl.) those who have this right or power by law.
The criminal evaded the authorities.- synonyms:
- law
- similar words:
- agent, arm, cops, officials, police, power
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| definition 3: |
a source of expert information or opinion.
Ask your uncle; he's an authority on European history.She thinks she's an authority on everything!- synonyms:
- expert
- similar words:
- ace, bible, master, maven, pundit, reference, specialist
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| definition 4: |
force of execution; mastery.
The book is written with great authority.He spoke with such authority that everyone believed him.- synonyms:
- force, mastery
- similar words:
- command, power, strength
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| related words: |
carte blanche, compulsion, domination, influence, judge, majesty, mind, privilege, tribunal, weight |
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