author 1 of 2

noun

ˈȯ-thər How to pronounce author (audio)
Definition of authornext
1
as in writer
a person who creates a written work a brilliant novel by a first-time author

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor the author of modern genetics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in Creator
capitalized the being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe let us thank the Author of our being for all the blessings He has bestowed

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author

2 of 2

verb

as in to write
to compose and set down on paper the words of authored a new biography of Thomas Jefferson

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of author
Noun
Franklin has often been called America's first true Renaissance man — an author, printer, politician, diplomat, inventor, and scientist who counted astronomy among his interests. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026 Older students and professionals face an existential struggle to find a job, according to Yahya Alhamarna, a 24-year-old author displaced in Gaza City. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Verb
In other words, a more restrictive immigration stance is not just a policy change, but presents a health care issue that could be devastating to millions of American families, said Pillai, who co-authored the KFF report. — Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 3 July 2026 Solitary confinement can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm and suicide risks, according to a 2024 report that Peeler co-authored with partners, including students and staff at Harvard University. — Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for author
Recent Examples of Synonyms for author
  1. writer
  2. founder
  3. write
  4. creator
  5. pen
  6. father
Noun
  • Times staff writer Alene Tchekmedyian contributed to this report.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Just a guess but the Babylon Bee writers caught wind of the Royals two-game stretch last week when they were outscored 35-3.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of writer
Noun
  • Another room is dedicated to the founder of California’s mission system, Father Junípero Serra.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Other guests in attendance include AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron, Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Dana Walden, Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge, Republic Records founders Monte and Avery Lipman and Swift’s longtime tour promoter Louie Messina.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 July 2026
Definition of founder
Verb
  • Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and wrote the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Long also wrote over the clip, which showed the family of three sitting by the water and opening a bottle of champagne.
    — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of write
Noun
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • News of the upcoming film comes four months after Tilly Norwood's creators released a music video featuring the AI creation appearing to sing a song addressing the public backlash to it.
    — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of creator
Verb
  • Members of the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota penned a letter to the committee describing grave consequences.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is penning the screenplay.
    — Zack Sharf for Variety, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
Definition of pen
Noun
  • The news of the arrest caught the attention of the family of Amy McHale, a woman who was once married to Horsch’s father and disappeared nearly 10 years ago.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Her oldest sister, Sonia Gonzalez, said Gonzalez reminds her a lot of their father, who reinvented himself many times over the years.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of father

Browse Nearby Words

authenticity
author
authored
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Cite this Entry

“Author.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/author. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on author

Nglish: Translation of author for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about author

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