Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for official. Search instead for oficial.
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.

Missing nuclear official becomes 10th tied to U.S. secrets.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Also distorting numbers are what’s called zero-hours contracts as well as the growing number of the self-employed, gig workers and the proliferation of internships, none of which are captured in official statistics.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The European plan is likely to include Germany, which had until now been publicly reluctant to even contemplate any military involvement, according to a senior German official.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

A US official stressed to the BBC that there was no link between the negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad and the Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

One of Hubler’s close associates, a trader named Mike Edman, became the official creator of a new idea: a credit default swap on what amounted to a timeless pool of subprime loans.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing official

Frindle

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Workshop 3, Part 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Early Civilizations of China, Lessons 4–6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!