bureaucratic
adjective
bu·reau·crat·ic
ˌbyu̇r-ə-ˈkra-tik 
ˌbyər-
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a bureaucracy or a bureaucrat
bureaucratic government
a bureaucratic organization
bureaucratic procedures
Examples of bureaucratic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Allies of Noem, meanwhile, have decided that Homan and Scott are bureaucratic dinosaurs who are unable to achieve the president’s objectives.
—
Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Psychiatrists employed by the state used bureaucratic interactions like the military draft to hunt for people who might be gay.
—Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
As the scholars Rachel Barkow and Mark Osler, as well as the former pardon attorney Margaret Love, have pointed out, there are inefficiencies within the bureaucratic pardoning process, which can stretch on for years.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
If the nation has an expensive effort underway to promote homeownership – think of all the aid programs and tax breaks – should various bureaucratic benefits also incentivize third-party ownership of any shape or size?
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bureaucratic
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.
Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Psychiatrists employed by the state used bureaucratic interactions like the military draft to hunt for people who might be gay.
—Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
As the scholars Rachel Barkow and Mark Osler, as well as the former pardon attorney Margaret Love, have pointed out, there are inefficiencies within the bureaucratic pardoning process, which can stretch on for years.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
If the nation has an expensive effort underway to promote homeownership – think of all the aid programs and tax breaks – should various bureaucratic benefits also incentivize third-party ownership of any shape or size?
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bureaucratic
Cite this Entry
“Bureaucratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bureaucratic. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bureaucratic
adjective
bu·reau·crat·ic
ˌbyu̇r-ə-ˈkrat-ik
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a bureaucracy or bureaucrat
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
