magisterial

adjective

mag·​is·​te·​ri·​al ˌma-jə-ˈstir-ē-əl How to pronounce magisterial (audio)
Synonyms of magisterialnext
1
a(1)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher : authoritative
(2)
: marked by an overbearingly dignified or assured manner or aspect
b
: of, relating to, or required for a master's degree
2
: of or relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's office or duties
magisterially
ˌma-jə-ˈstir-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce magisterial (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of magisterial

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dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others.

dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of magisterial in a Sentence

He spoke with a magisterial tone. a magisterial biography of Thomas Jefferson that has never been superseded
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Embarking on the Ofoten line at Bjørnfjell, the train ran at the edge of a cliff as the fjords emerged below, magisterial in their quiet movement. — The Editors, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025 But the magisterial opera composer Franz Schreker was shattered by the events of 1933 and died of a stroke the following year. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026 However, Orphans' Court, the Pittsburgh Municipal Court, and all magisterial district courts in the county will remain open. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 Force’s plan came to fruition in 1837, when the government published nine volumes—most of them considerably more than 1,000 pages—under the magisterial title American Archives. — T. H. Breen, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for magisterial

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin magisterialis of authority, from magisterium office of a master, from magister

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of magisterial was in 1635

Rhymes for magisterial

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Browse Nearby Words

magister
magisterial
magisterial district
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Cite this Entry

“Magisterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magisterial. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

magisterial

adjective
mag·​is·​te·​ri·​al ˌmaj-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl How to pronounce magisterial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher
2
: of or relating to a magistrate or the office or duties of a magistrate
magisterially
-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce magisterial (audio)
adverb
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