Synonyms of official

official 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈfi-shəl 

as in officer

a person who holds a public office

some of our best public officials do their jobs quietly and are never in the news

Synonyms & Similar Words

• officer
• administrator
• director
• manager
• executive
• functionary
• commissioner
• public servant
• officeholder
• chair
• chairman
• superintendent
• supervisor
• bureaucrat
• regulator
• head
• minion
• flunky
• underling
• co-official

official

2 of 2

adjective

as in authorized

ordered or allowed by those in authority

the official languages for those Olympic Games were French and English

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authorized
• legitimate
• promoted
• legal
• lawful
• sanctioned
• suggested
• authoritative
• supported
• approved
• endorsed
• licensed
• regulation
• permissible
• certified
• legit
• canonical
• semiofficial
• licit
• encouraged
• abetted
• ex officio

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unofficial
• unauthorized
• illegal
• unlawful
• nonofficial
• wrongful
• illicit
• unsanctioned
• illegitimate
• impermissible
• lawless
• unlicensed
• unapproved
• verboten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of official

Noun

The railway is the best method for heads of state or senior officials from Ukraine’s allies to get in and out of Kyiv, to show vital support, share the most sensitive intelligence, or discuss vital matters. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

On at least three occasions, State Department officials have welcomed representatives of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a separatist group. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The robot’s official unveiling is expected near production, while the next-generation model’s design and scale will depend on field experience. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

The project carries the official blessing of Baker’s sons Jean-Claude Bouillon Baker and Brian Bouillon Baker, along with the Rainbow tribe. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026