Authority
Authority noun - Lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation).
Usage example: the sheriff had authority over the whole county
Power is a synonym for authority in command topic. In some cases you can use "Power" instead a noun "Authority", when it comes to topics like credentials, over, agency, mastery. popular alternative
Power
Power noun - The right or means to command or control others.
Usage example: the emir has nearly complete power over the emirate
Authority is a synonym for power in control topic. You can use "Authority" instead a noun "Power", if it concerns topics such as ability, direction, permission, advantage. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
- Someone with authority or power (or think they have) uses it to command or force people to do mundane or simple tasks for him/her.
Source: Comically Small Demand - It is a symbol of power and authority over the protector spirits and the Lecter Specters.
Source: Literature / Ghost Story -
Kinnor Caldwell, of Lazarus, having been raised from the dead in front of his relatives to show Boh-Dabar's power and authority over death.
Source: Literature / Firebird Trilogy
Cite this Source
Power and Authority. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/authority/power
Authority & Power. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/authority/power>.
Power or Authority. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/authority/power.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "authority" and "power" have occurred on timeline