UNOFFICIAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

unofficial

adjective

Definition of unofficial

as in unauthorized

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 unofficial The unofficial rate had risen to more than 1,600 dinars to the dollar before the official devaluation was announced. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Low-rise, slouchy jeans were the unofficial street style uniform of Milan Fashion Week. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 His phone has become the unofficial hotline for emergency shelter. — Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 7 Oct. 2026 The hoofed Highlanders have been embraced as an unofficial mascot on campus, with Reddit threads dedicated to donkey spotting and burro plushies for sale in the campus store. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unofficial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unofficial

Adjective

Coleman found instructive a 1938 ruling in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who challenged a radio station that placed observers on a rooftop next to Forbes Field and paid them to provide play-by-play for an unauthorized radio broadcast.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Sanchez has been charged with a level five felony of battery involving serious bodily injury, as well as the misdemeanors of battery resulting in injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay chose Milton Rogovin’s informal, untitled portrait of a beautiful young Buffalo woman from his East Side, 1961-63 collection.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Second, the agency can issue formal or informal warning letters threatening consequences if a violation is not remedied.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Browse Nearby Words

unoccupied

unofficial

unordered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unofficial. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unofficial

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

syncretic

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 16

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes