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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.

The extent of the consultation was Trump calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel shortly before the cease-fire was announced, a White House official said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The wolf dug into the ground and damaged the zoo's installed fence before escaping, according to the fire official.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Elevated to party chief after his predecessor's death in 2024, he has scrapped whole layers of government and abolished ministries and agencies in a bid to speed up official decision-making.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

When I arrived in Cardigan it was busy, but it is the official start of the tourism season with the Easter holidays well under way.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“You have to fill out a bunch of forms and get your idea approved to break a Guinness World Record and get official permission.”

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan