official
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for official, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Approved by, or coming from, a proper authority.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use official
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin officialis, "relating to an office or duty" — built from officium, "duty, service".
Full origin of official →Frequently asked questions
What does “official” mean?
The word “official” means approved by, or coming from, a proper authority. In plain terms, something authorized or confirmed by the proper authority, or a person who holds such authority.
How do you pronounce “official”?
“Official” is pronounced uh-FIH-shuhl (/əˈfɪʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “official” in a sentence?
Here is “official” used in a sentence: “The official results won't be announced until tomorrow.”
What is another word for “official”?
Words with a similar meaning to “official” include approved, recognized, sanctioned and decreed.
What is the opposite of “official”?
The opposite of “official” — its antonyms — is unofficial.
What part of speech is “official”?
Depending on how it is used, “official” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “official” come from?
The word “official” comes from Latin. From Latin officialis, "relating to an office or duty" — built from officium, "duty, service".
Is “official” a common word?
“Official” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'official' and 'officious'?
This is a classic mix-up. Official means approved by or coming from a proper authority — an official statement, an official record. Officious means interfering and bossy, eagerly offering unwanted help or asserting authority one doesn't really have. One is about genuine authority; the other criticises someone overstepping theirs.
What is the difference between 'official' and 'formal'?
Official means sanctioned by a recognised authority — a government, employer, or governing body. Formal means following proper convention, ceremony, or etiquette. Something can be formal without being official, such as a smart dinner, and official without being formal, such as a brief approved notice. They often overlap but are not the same.
Is 'official' a positive word?
It is largely neutral, but leans positive because it signals legitimacy and authority — an official ruling carries weight and trust. It reassures people that something is genuine and approved, not rumour or guesswork. The tone depends on context, yet the core sense of proper backing is generally seen as a good thing.