Synonyms for authority

noun

1. Power based on right

   right, authorization, jurisdiction; see power 2.

2. The appearance of having authority, sense 1

   prestige, political influence, weight, self-assurance; see influence 2.

3. A person or persons vested with authority, sense 1; usually plural

   officialdom, officials, judges, court, police, government, government agency, office-holders, administration, cabinet, executive, duly constituted representatives, ecclesiastics, the powers that be*; see also bureaucracy 1.

4. One who knows

   expert, scholar, critic, professional; see specialist. See syn. study atinfluence, power.