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have authority

VERB
command
Synonyms
STRONGEST
determine direct dominate manage supervise take over wield
STRONG
administer boss charge check coach coerce compel conduct conquer constrain control curb dictate domineer exact force govern guide head hinder influence lead officiate oppress overbear override predominate prescribe prevail push regulate reign repress restrain run stop subdue superintend sway tyrannize
WEAK
exercise power hold office preside over reign over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
mismanage
STRONG
abandon advance aid allow assist comply consent encourage follow free give up help leave leave alone let go liberate lose neglect obey permit release retreat serve start submit surrender yield
WEAK
contradict countermand oppose recall reverse revoke

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.

Under separate rules announced last week, the Chinese government will have authority to conduct reviews of overseas investments that could affect national security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Chinese regulators believe they have authority as Manus’s original company is Chinese.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Immigration agents do have authority to detain Americans in limited circumstances.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2025

Two different federal judges declined to step in on Friday night, finding they did not have authority to do so.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2025

But Captain Newport does have authority here, and I am sure he will not let them hang Captain Smith.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

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