as in clerk
a worker in a government agency the bureaucrats at the town hall seem to think that we need a building permit to build a tree house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bureaucrat Unlike human bureaucrats who resist change, algorithms execute precisely. Tanner H. Jones, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025 Besides Japanese bureaucrats and businessmen, the local Taiwanese elite flocked to photo studios as well. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 13 Sep. 2025 But what other, more-restrictive standard could Treasury use that doesn’t risk running afoul of the statutory guidance based on a bureaucrat’s subjective judgment? Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Jeffrey Epstein's cabal of politicians, bureaucrats, and elites who turned a blind eye must be held accountable. Anna Commander gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bureaucrat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bureaucrat
Noun
  • That developed into work as a sports agate clerk – editing and coding the different box scores for print on our ‘Scoreboard’ page at the time.
    Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The process went smoothly enough for Daria, except for the moment when the clerk in the internet café paused at her middle name while reviewing her paperwork.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement After consultations with Israeli officials, Qatari negotiators, and regional mediators, Witkoff and Kushner assembled a 20-point peace plan calling for a ceasefire and hostage exchange, Israeli security guarantees, the demilitarization of Gaza, and a new civilian governing authority.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The actress is clearly relishing the opportunity to deliver Aaron Sorkin’s barbed dialogue (though perhaps not as much as Philip Seymour Hoffman, who steals the show as an explosive CIA functionary).
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Since then, there have been many more arrests—especially of regional functionaries at various levels.
    ANDREI KOLESNIKOV, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other employees, including those in the military and air traffic control workers, must work without compensation until a budget deal is reached.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • At 18, her co-worker Taylor Robinson had yet to vote.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In 2017, the angels (who requested anonymity) attracted other donors, which enabled the school to finally return employees to normal salaries, cover tuition for needy students, acquire improvements, such as technology for students and teachers, and offer new courses, including art and music.
    Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • What’s more, 57% of regular employees using unapproved AI tools had approval from their managers.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bureaucrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bureaucrat. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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