authority
22 synonyms and 0 antonyms for authority, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use authority
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French auctorité, from Latin auctōritās ("influence, command"), from auctor ("author, originator").
Full origin of authority →Frequently asked questions
What does “authority” mean?
The word “authority” means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience. In plain terms, the right to give orders or make decisions, or someone widely trusted as an expert.
How do you pronounce “authority”?
“Authority” is pronounced aw-THO-ruh-tee (/əˈθɔɹədi/ in IPA).
How do you use “authority” in a sentence?
Here is “authority” used in a sentence: “The manager has the authority to approve refunds.”
What part of speech is “authority”?
“Authority” is a noun.
Where does the word “authority” come from?
The word “authority” comes from Latin. From Old French auctorité, from Latin auctōritās ("influence, command"), from auctor ("author, originator").
Is “authority” a common word?
“Authority” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “authority” have?
“Authority” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
What is the difference between authority and power?
Authority is the recognised right to give orders and make decisions — power that others accept as legitimate, like a judge's or manager's. Power is the broader ability to influence or control people and events, whether or not it is legitimate. Someone can hold power through force without ever having real authority.
What are the types of authority?
The sociologist Max Weber described three classic types. Traditional authority rests on long-standing custom, like a monarchy. Charismatic authority flows from a leader's personal appeal. Legal-rational authority comes from rules and offices, as in modern governments and companies. Most real institutions blend more than one of these sources.
What are other meanings of 'authority'?
Besides the right to command, authority can mean an expert — 'she is an authority on Roman history' — someone whose knowledge is widely trusted. It can also name an official body or organisation, such as a local authority or transport authority. All senses carry the idea of recognised standing or control.