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Definitions

official

[uh-fish-uhl] / əˈfɪʃ əl /
ADJECTIVE
authorized, legitimate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
authoritative conclusive definite fitting formal precise proper valid
STRONG
cathedral okay positive real true
WEAK
accredited approved authentic authenticated bona fide canonical ceremonious certified cleared correct customary decided decisive endorsed established ex cathedra ex officio legitimate licensed ordered orthodox recognized rightful sanctioned suitable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
imprecise improper incorrect indefinite inexact unacceptable unsuitable
STRONG
dishonest false invalid
WEAK
unauthorized unofficial unsanctioned
NOUN
person representing organization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator agent bureaucrat civil servant commissioner director executive leader manager minister officer representative secretary
STRONG
CEO President boss brains brass chancellor comptroller dignitary exec functionary governor higher-up incumbent magistrate marshal mayor officeholder panjandrum premier top treasurer
WEAK
big shot front office head person top brass top dog
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Meanwhile a local Iranian official said that the Mahshahr petrochemical complex and the Bandar Imam petrochemical company in south-western Iran had also been targeted.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

They will be joined by longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coach Doc Rivers and Gonzaga coach Mark Few in the Hall of Fame.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

On Saturday, a UN security official told AFP that Israeli forces destroyed 17 surveillance cameras linked to UNIFIL's main headquarters in Naqura.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

It’s difficult to imagine he meant that “gatekeeper” to be Trump, who had no official role in 2001.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

She was alarmed to see Yuri Sokolov, a Soviet official at the United Nations—and, secretly, an intelligence agent.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.