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
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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
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Recent Examples of official
Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 28 July 2025
While officials cash in, residents are still waiting for basic lighting and infrastructure.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Thomas Partey, the footballer accused of rape, will feature on the Premier League’s official trading cards when they are released next month — after Arsenal rubber-stamped his inclusion.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for official
Noun
Much of that increase was earmarked for public safety, specifically for police and fire, amid continued growth, officials said.
—Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 28 July 2025
While officials cash in, residents are still waiting for basic lighting and infrastructure.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Adjective
The production’s official opening night is Thursday, August 14, and the show is slated to run eight performances a week for a six-month engagement.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Thomas Partey, the footballer accused of rape, will feature on the Premier League’s official trading cards when they are released next month — after Arsenal rubber-stamped his inclusion.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for official
Recent Examples of Synonyms for official
Noun
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Currently, only cities that have opted into civil service rules for officers – Austin, Houston and San Antonio among them – can keep a G file.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
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Many fishers have lost their livelihoods overnight, with about a third of the state waters completely devoid of fish, according to Pat Tripodi, the executive officer of the Marine Fishers Association, which represents the interests of most commercial fishing license holders in the state.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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For travelers within the U.S., these can be obtained through authorized veterinarians.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Aug. 2025
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The most relevant ones in this case include the requirement for vehicles to stay on authorized tracks and refrain from disturbing or harassing wildlife.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Official.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/official. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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