Collocations for "authority"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "authority" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
authority
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- (do not) have the authority (to)
- You do not have (that kind of) authority!
- What gives you the authority to [decide, command]?
- Who gave you the authority?
- was [given, granted] (the) authority to
- never wanted [any, this kind of] authority!
- [loves, craves] authority
- has authority over (all) [employees, workers, staff]
- The [teacher, captain, boss] lacks authority.
- [spoke, delivered his speech] with authority
- should respect authority
- authority and [power, responsibility]
- is the leading authority in [forensic science, Chinese literature]
- is an authority on [baseball, soccer, football]
- according to [leading, expert] authorities
- an authority to [regulate, issue, make]
- the authority that [regulates]
- The authorities arrived at the scene.
- the authorities arrived [in time, too late] (to)
- please contact the authorities [if, when]
- according to the authorities
- in [an interview, a press conference] with the authorities
- works for the [regional, provincial, local] authorities
- is being investigated by the [tax, local] authorities
- [surrendered, turned himself in] to the authorities
- have it on good authority (that)
- total [disrespect, disregard, disdain] for authority
'authority' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Greek
- abuse
- acknowledged
- act
- appeal
- assertion
- blatant
- broad
- broadcasting
- challenge
- cock
- competent
- construct
- contempt
- defer
- defiance
- defy
- delegate
- disregard
- empower
- entitle
- exercise
- exert
- figure
- foremost
- grant
- handover
- healthy
- inherent
- lack
- lay
- leading
- moral
- outrageous
- outreach
- overriding
- pervasive
- place
- port
- position
- prime
- provisional
- range
- ranking
- reckless
- recognized
- relevant
- retention
- scope
- scourge