authority

Meanings

• the power or right to give orders or make decisions
  • "he has the authority to issue warrants"
• (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
• an expert whose views are taken as definitive
  • "he is an authority on corporate law"
• freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
  • "she spoke with authority"
• an administrative unit of government
  • "Tennessee Valley Authority"
• official permission or approval
  • "authority for the program was renewed several times"
• an authoritative written work
  • "this book is the final authority on the life of Milton"

Synonyms

agency, assurance, authorisation, authorization, bureau, confidence, dominance, federal agency, government agency, office, potency, sanction, say-so, self-assurance, self-confidence, sureness