Synonyms for official

Most common

formal · authorized · approved · authoritative

Synonyms by meaning

Adjective

Noun

Antonyms

unofficial, casual, vernacular

All antonyms of official →

Definitions

1. adj. 1

   Approved by authority; authorized. Dubious but recognized by authorities as the truth or canon.

   Despite these testimonies, "accidental asphyxiation" remains his official cause of death.

2. n. 1

   An office holder, a person holding an official position in government, sports, or other organization.

   In most soccer games, there are three officials: the referee and two linesmen.

Related words

Word family

officially office officer officiate

Phrases

official scorer

Is a kind of

person

Forms

Plural

officials → functionaries, officers, magistrates, ministers…

Example sentences

• approved The bill was approved by an overwhelming majority.
• formal The premier paid a formal visit to the White House.
• authorized Are you sure you're not authorized to remain here?
• authoritative He was the most authoritative among the people.
• ministerial Tom left the ministerial profession after suffering a crisis of faith.

Popularity over time

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

6 letters

proper², formal²

7 letters

regular³, officer³

8 letters

minister³, approved², licensed², orthodox³

10 letters

recognized³, functional³, authorized³, recognised³, prescribed², accredited⁴, magistrate³, authorised, ceremonial⁵

11 letters

ministerial⁵, magisterial⁵, functionary⁴

12 letters

professional⁴

13 letters

authoritative⁵

14 letters

administrative⁵

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (proper² = 2 syllables).

In other languages

Français

officiel

Italiano

ufficiale

Español

oficial

Deutsch

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