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It is meryl, old term for stated (3) + within (2) all reversed.

no wonder - i had thought of the other similar word - thanks gitto!

Still cannot se the other two

Just the 8,4 to get now

The authoritarian's 3rd letter becomes the last letter of one of the names.

Do we only need to write the three names below the grid? It’s not clear to me whether we are also supposed to write the commonality (which I think I could capture in a 7-letter proper adjective).

I think "with something in common" is just a steer for solvers, riversk, although its open to your interpretation. But the thick letters at the bottom of the grid say only "Names" so I think only names are expected.

I think if you have the names and highlighting, it is a reasonable inference that you know what they have in common, so I don’t think it’s necessary. I don’t see how you could be marked wrong for including it, though.

The lack of grid entry lengths, as mentioned earlier, and the wording of the preamble suggests space really was at a premium, as a glance at a printout confirms.

Very nearly there! 38a (I don't have Collins) and 39d are my last two unknowns

38a is 3 letter synonym for beneficial + 4 letter anagram
39d defn is last 2 words, 3 letter tantrum + usual 2 letters for concerning.

Saw the 3rd name is 2 minutes this morning - now to start grid staring.