as in governmental
of, relating to, or like a nonelective government official or body of government officials
a bureaucratic institution bureaucratic procedures
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Recent Examples of bureaucratic
Because they are considered low-impact, Type II actions are exempt from the full SEQRA environmental review process, which saves time and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
—
Carlina Rivera, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Allies of Noem, meanwhile, have decided that Homan and Scott are bureaucratic dinosaurs who are unable to achieve the president’s objectives.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Even in its ideal form, the bureaucratic pardon would not possess the political legitimacy to undertake large-scale reform or grant broader amnesties.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Psychiatrists employed by the state used bureaucratic interactions like the military draft to hunt for people who might be gay.
—Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bureaucratic
Carlina Rivera, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Allies of Noem, meanwhile, have decided that Homan and Scott are bureaucratic dinosaurs who are unable to achieve the president’s objectives.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Even in its ideal form, the bureaucratic pardon would not possess the political legitimacy to undertake large-scale reform or grant broader amnesties.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Psychiatrists employed by the state used bureaucratic interactions like the military draft to hunt for people who might be gay.
—Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bureaucratic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bureaucratic
Adjective
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One month after the US carried out an attack in Venezuela to capture its president, civilians in the South American country remain caught between uncertainty and expectations of governmental change.—
CNN 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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He was included in the Time 100 Health list, has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and served for 15 years as CEO of The Planetary Society, a non-governmental space organization co-founded by Carl Sagan.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Alongside the parliamentary vote, Bangladesh will hold a constitutional referendum on reforms aimed at reshaping political accountability and governance structures.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
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Some experts note the reckoning in Europe’s parliamentary democracies has been swifter and more severe — for now — than in the United States, where Epstein built his empire and hobnobbed with many American elites.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The backstory Previously the administrative headquarters for Zadig & Voltaire spanning three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the hotel is Thierry Gillier’s first foray into the hotel industry.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Accountability must apply not only to students, but also to curriculum standards and administrative decisions.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bureaucratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bureaucratic. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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