Need another word for Authority? Use these synonyms of Authority from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
power
control
influence
dominion
jurisdiction
command
mastery
sway
dominance
supremacy
leadership
guidance
direction
management
administration
governance
regulation
rule
sovereignty
autonomy
prerogative
privilege
right
permission
sanction
authorization
mandate
warrant
license
entitlement
dominance
ascendancy
preeminence
superiority
Meaning of Authority
The primary meaning of the word "Authority" based on Oxford Languages is the power or right to control, judge, or command.
Definitions
- The power or right to control, judge, or command: having authority over someone or something means having the power to make decisions about them
- A person or organization having power or control over others: the authorities are investigating the incident
- An expert or knowledgeable person in a particular field: she is an authority on medieval history
- A citation or reference to a person or work as an expert or trustworthy source: the study cites several authorities on the subject
Etymology of Authority
The word "Authority" originates from the Latin word "auctoritas," which means "influence, authority, or power"
This Latin term is derived from "auctor," meaning "author, founder, or creator"
The word has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the power or right to control or command, and its meaning has evolved over time to include the concept of expertise or trustworthy source
Example Uses
- The government has the authority to make laws and enforce them
- She is a leading authority on climate change and has written several books on the subject
- The police have the authority to arrest and detain suspects
- The company's CEO has the final authority on all business decisions
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
subservience
obedience
compliance
submission
weakness
powerlessness
helplessness
ineffectiveness
impotence
incapacity
disability
restriction
limitation
confinement
repression
oppression
suppression
subjugation
enslavement
bondage
servitude
dependency