authorities
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for authorities, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The official organisations or officials with power to govern or enforce rules in a given area.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use authorities
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “authorities” mean?
The word “authorities” means the official organisations or officials with power to govern or enforce rules in a given area. In plain terms, the officials or government bodies in charge — the people with the power to enforce rules.
How do you use “authorities” in a sentence?
Here is “authorities” used in a sentence: “Local authorities closed the beach after the storm.”
What part of speech is “authorities”?
“Authorities” is a noun.
Is “authorities” a common word?
“Authorities” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between authorities and authority?
'Authority' in the singular usually means the power or right to give orders, or an expert on a subject. 'Authorities' in the plural normally means the officials and organisations that hold that power — the police, councils and government bodies. So 'the authorities are investigating' refers to the people in charge, not to power itself.
Who are 'the authorities'?
The phrase covers whichever official bodies hold power in a given place — typically the police, local councils, government departments and regulators. Which ones are meant depends on the situation: for a crime it may be the police, for a health matter a public health agency. They share the power to govern or enforce rules.
What is the difference between authorities and the government?
The government is the central body that runs a country and makes its laws. 'Authorities' is broader, covering the whole range of official bodies that apply and enforce those laws — police, local councils, regulators and agencies. The government is part of the authorities, but the authorities include many organisations beyond it.