Synonyms for

Authority

Verb / ʌˈθɔ:rʌti: / Another word for authority — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Authority means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Synonyms & similar words

selfassurance sureness dominance bureau federalagency confidence potency selfconfidence governmentagency sayso agency assurance sanction office authorization authorisation power control dominance command jurisdiction influence supremacy mastery expertise knowledge clout sway leadership direction management governance rule regulation dominion sovereignty

Synonyms by register

Formal

legitimacy jurisdiction dominion prerogative

Informal

clout pull juice sway

Literary

ascendancy imperium regnancy

Antonyms

weakness submission subservience impotence disobedience insignificance

Common collocations

  • abuse authority
  • assume authority
  • exercise authority
  • gain authority
  • lose authority
  • military authority
  • parental authority
  • source of authority

Word family

noun authority
verb authorize
adjective authoritative
adverb authoritatively

Usage note

Authority can refer to the power to give orders or make decisions, or to the person or organization that has this power. Be mindful of the context when choosing synonyms, as some are more formal or informal than others.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher has authority in the classroom.
  2. The judge has the authority to make decisions in court.
  3. The president has the authority to sign bills into law.
  4. The parent has authority over their children.
  5. The boss has authority in the workplace.

Quotes

  • Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish. - Anne Bradstreet
  • Authority is not a quality one person 'has', in the sense that he has property or physical qualities. Authority refers to an interpersonal relation in which one person looks upon another as somebody superior to him. - Erich Fromm
  • The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on. When you face the fear, you become the authority. - Mark Burnett

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