as in officer
a person who holds a public office
some of our best public officials do their jobs quietly and are never in the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in authorized
ordered or allowed by those in authority
the official languages for those Olympic Games were French and English
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 official
Bonny Chu, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
Administration officials have insisted that the impacts are misunderstood, but the actual text of the memo is far-reaching and the follow-up guidance has been vague.
—Npr Washington Desk, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
Alexandria Sands, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
Four nearby cities — Duarte, Azusa, Irwindale and Baldwin Park — have lodged official complaints arguing that transporting hazardous substances 15 miles outside the Eaton fire and into a popular recreation area poses a risk to thousands more.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for official 
Noun
The memo was reportedly sent to senior leaders of the agency by CDC official John Nkengasong on Sunday, just days after President Donald Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the United Nations (UN) agency.
—Bonny Chu, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
Administration officials have insisted that the impacts are misunderstood, but the actual text of the memo is far-reaching and the follow-up guidance has been vague.
—Npr Washington Desk, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
State of play: Uptown's official vacancy rate is around 23%, according to CBRE's latest report.
—Alexandria Sands, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
Four nearby cities — Duarte, Azusa, Irwindale and Baldwin Park — have lodged official complaints arguing that transporting hazardous substances 15 miles outside the Eaton fire and into a popular recreation area poses a risk to thousands more.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for official
Articles Related to official
Thesaurus Entries Near official
Cite this Entry
“Official.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/official. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share