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authority

[uh-thawr-i-tee, uh-thor-] / əˈθɔr ɪ ti, əˈθɒr- /




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.

However, most authority for running elections falls to the states.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

BBC Scotland News understands the council leader's estimated timescale is shared by other senior officials within the local authority.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The U.K. antitrust authority is looking into the transaction, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Because these celebrity exorcists are imbued with a kind of divine authority in their audiences’ minds by their proximity to supernatural matters, their social media followings can be unusually strong and loyal.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

My narrative finished, and their questions exhausted, I then produced Miss Havisham’s authority to receive the nine hundred pounds for Herbert.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens




Vocabulary lists containing authority


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