official
Sanctioned by leadership
Official describes what is formally authorized, recognized, or sanctioned by an authority.
An official statement comes from someone empowered to speak for an organization.
Official records are the authoritative version.
The official language of a country is legally recognized for government use.
As a noun, an official is a person holding office or authority: election officials, government officials, sports officials who enforce rules.
Something becomes official when it receives formal approval: It's official—we're getting married.
Personal garments collectively
- black-tieFormal evening dress code
- uniformIdentical throughout
- dress-codeRules governing appropriate clothing
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
capacity · business · proper · sanctioned · authorized · certified · accredited · licensed
Administrative written tasks
- clerkOffice record-keeper
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- documentationWritten proof or instructions
procedures · agency · department · bureaucracy · forms · registrar · functionary · administrator
Sports rule enforcer
- umpireSports match official
- judgeOne who decides
- arbitratorOne who resolves disputes
- adjudicatorOne rendering formal decisions
linesman · timekeeper · scorekeeper · steward · commissioner · ruling · penalty · call
Formal beginning ceremony
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
- commencementAct of starting
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
investiture · ordination · installation · induction · enthronement · pageantry · ritual · procession
Official enactment of statutes
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
- senateLegislative governing body
- parliamentNational legislative assembly
- federalDivided governmental authority
state · cabinet · minister · president · governor · mayor · policy · election
Energy transfer rate
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- controlAuthority to direct
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
sovereignty · governance · administration · supremacy · leadership · mandate · enforcement · legitimacy
attire
Personal garments collectively
- black-tieFormal evening dress code
- uniformIdentical throughout
- dress-codeRules governing appropriate clothing
protocol · capacity · business · proper · sanctioned · authorized · certified · accredited · licensed · registered
paperwork
Administrative written tasks
- clerkOffice record-keeper
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- complianceAdhering to requirements
documentation · procedures · agency · department · bureaucracy · forms · registrar · functionary · administrator · commissioner
referee
Sports rule enforcer
- umpireSports match official
- judgeOne who decides
- arbitratorOne who resolves disputes
adjudicator · linesman · timekeeper · scorekeeper · steward · commissioner · ruling · penalty · call · decision
inauguration
Formal beginning ceremony
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
- commencementAct of starting
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
dedication · investiture · ordination · installation · induction · enthronement · pageantry · ritual · procession · dignitary
legislation
Official enactment of statutes
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
- senateLegislative governing body
- parliamentNational legislative assembly
federal · state · cabinet · minister · president · governor · mayor · policy · election · diplomacy
power
Energy transfer rate
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- controlAuthority to direct
dominance · sovereignty · governance · administration · supremacy · leadership · mandate · enforcement · legitimacy · sanction
- bureaucracybureaucracy, bureaucrat, bureaucrats, red tape, civil service
- authoritiesrulers, ruler, leaders, leader, bosses
- brandingbrand identity, brand, brand equity, taglines, logos
- datingmatch, profile, swipe left, hookup, breakup
- game officialsreferee, umpire, judge, linesman, head referee
- officialsbailiff, bureaucrat, congressman, governor-general, commissioner
officialunofficial
Not formally recognized
unauthorized · unsanctioned · unapproved · unendorsed · nonofficial
officialinformal
Relaxed, not official
casual · unceremonious · relaxed · laid-back · off-the-record
officialprivate
Restricted to certain parties
personal · unofficial · non-governmental · individual · civilian
- elected officialsLeaders chosen by vote
- public officialsGovernment position holders
- government officialState-employed administrator
- wedding officiantLeads marriage ceremonies
- official documentsVerified governmental or institutional papers
- official rulesCodified governing standards
unofficial, officially, officials, officiate, officious, unofficially, officialdom, officiating, officiant