Official Definition & Meaning

official
adjective
  1. having official authority or sanction; "official permission"; "an official representative"
  2. of or relating to an office; "official privileges"
  3. verified officially; "the election returns are now official"
  4. conforming to set usage, procedure, or discipline; "in prescribed order"
  5. (of a church) given official status as a national or state institution
noun
  1. a worker who holds or is invested with an office
  2. someone who administers the rules of a game or sport; "the golfer asked for an official who could give him a ruling"

Synonyms for official

authoritative adj

having authority or ascendancy or influence; "an important official

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authorized adj

endowed with authority sanctioned by established authority; "an authoritative communique"; "the authorized biography"

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confirmed adj

of persons; not subject to change; "a confirmed bachelor

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established adj

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established; "the established social order

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formal adj

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

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formalized adj

concerned with or characterized by rigorous adherence to recognized forms (especially in religion or art)

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functionary noun

a worker who holds or is invested with an office

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prescribed adj

set down as a rule or guide fixed or established especially by order or command

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regular adj

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle; "his regular calls on his customers"; "regular meals

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semiofficial adj

having some official authority or sanction

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"Official" in song lyrics

See how official is used in real songs:

  • "they just know I'm official"
    1st Infantry f/ Prodigy, Alchemist, Twin & Evidence — Fourth of July
  • "A herb, if you claim your raps is official"
    7L & Esoteric — Herb
  • "Fifty strikes, light up the mic, make it official"
    Afu-Ra f/ Masta Killa — Livin' Like Dat

Words that rhyme with official

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Usage tips for "official"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "official" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for official to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with official ↔ Synonyms for official 🔬 Words containing official

Frequently asked questions

What does official mean?
having official authority or sanction; "official permission"; "an official representative" of or relating to an office; "official privileges" verified officially; "the election returns are now official" conforming to set usage, procedure, or discipline; "in prescribed order" (of a church) given official status as a national or state institution a worker who holds or is invested with an office someone who administers the rules of a game or sport
What part of speech is official?
Official is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does official have?
Official has 7 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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