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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of official
Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
The measure, approved with mostly bipartisan support during the General Assembly’s fall veto session, was hailed by a broad array of lawmakers, criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement officials and business groups during Friday’s signing ceremony.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026
Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The official Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday will feature Bad Bunny, the Grammy winner for album of the year, at the height of his powers and influence.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for official
Noun
One of the police department’s most outspoken critics, Reedy, often confronts LAPD and city officials face to face in public forums.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
The measure, approved with mostly bipartisan support during the General Assembly’s fall veto session, was hailed by a broad array of lawmakers, criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement officials and business groups during Friday’s signing ceremony.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Sonia Randhawa, a Wrigleyville resident, is looking forward to the official release of the book, but went to the installation for her love of art.
—Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The official Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday will feature Bad Bunny, the Grammy winner for album of the year, at the height of his powers and influence.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for official
Recent Examples of Synonyms for official
Noun
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The announcement means the agency is looking into whether the DHS officers who shot Pretti violated the law and marks an expansion of the federal government’s investigation into the matter.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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Elsewhere, law enforcement leaders, civil rights advocates and other legal experts have decried how ICE agents and other federal officers have been flouting best practices when making street arrests, conducting crowd control and maintaining public safety amid mass protests.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Its Florida Power & Light utility has secured a multiyear plan beginning in 2026 with an authorized return on equity of roughly 11%, providing clarity to investors around regulated cash flows while allowing for continued investment in solar and battery infrastructure.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2026
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Continuous and colored flashing lights are prohibited except for authorized emergency vehicles, buses and road service vehicles for work.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Official.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/official. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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