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
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as in authorized
ordered or allowed by those in authority
the official languages for those Olympic Games were French and English
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of official
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
High winds continued to push the fire toward Rifle Creek Apartments, and law enforcement officials ordered evacuations near Willow Creek Circle and West 30th Street.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
And the team’s official World Cup photo features the players dressed as Nordic warriors, weapons in hand, posed before a scenic fjord with long boats in the background.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for official
Noun
According to federal officials, Ereg operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli, a Minneapolis grocery store and deli under the sponsorship of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
High winds continued to push the fire toward Rifle Creek Apartments, and law enforcement officials ordered evacuations near Willow Creek Circle and West 30th Street.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Adjective
Currently, Rodman is featured in a men’s World Cup campaign for Adidas, an official World Cup sponsor, alongside Lionel Messi, Timothée Chalamet, Bad Bunny, Spanish phenom Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, the English star who plays for Real Madrid, and others.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
And the team’s official World Cup photo features the players dressed as Nordic warriors, weapons in hand, posed before a scenic fjord with long boats in the background.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for official
Recent Examples of Synonyms for official
Noun
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Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, police said.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
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Residents and festivalgoers were urged to avoid the area and expect a significant law enforcement presence as officers continue their search and investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers, including convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
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They are not designed as retail sales floors, but as brand immersion experiences with expert consultants serving as guides to inspire and educate potential customers before being referred to an authorized dealer.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Official.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/official. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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