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
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
But as the industry is experiencing firsthand, much of Washington rides on how lower-ranking officials hash out finer points behind closed doors.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Nguyen didn’t share further details about the forthcoming restaurant but told fans to stay tuned for the official opening date.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for official
Noun
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
But as the industry is experiencing firsthand, much of Washington rides on how lower-ranking officials hash out finer points behind closed doors.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
McMillan and Colon were initially charged in state court last March with burglary, forcible touching and official misconduct, but a judge dismissed the case and sealed the prosecution in December after the Queens District Attorney's office failed to meet the court's speedy trial rules.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Nguyen didn’t share further details about the forthcoming restaurant but told fans to stay tuned for the official opening date.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for official
Recent Examples of Synonyms for official
Noun
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Detention is the middle step that must run smoothly in order for the growing number of ICE officers to continue making arrests.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Mar. 2026
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There have been outbreaks of tuberculosis and measles at the site, and ICE officers have used the dangerously subpar conditions to pressure detainees to sign papers authorizing their deportation.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Metro Transit police saw a second consecutive year of decreases to the most serious crimes in 2025, and is staffed with 118 officers out of an authorized 171, according to the department.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
9 Mar. 2026
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Under California law, police agencies are required to adopt detailed usage and privacy policies governing license plate data, restrict access to authorized purposes, and regularly audit searches to prevent misuse.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Official.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/official. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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