officiates
Leads the proceedings
Officiates is the third-person singular present tense of officiate, meaning to perform the duties of an office or ceremony.
A priest officiates at a wedding, a judge officiates in a courtroom, and a referee officiates a game.
The word carries connotations of formal authority—the person who officiates has been granted the power to make the event legitimate or the decisions binding.
Who officiates at the ceremony?
She officiates high school basketball games on weekends.
Sports rule enforcer
- umpireSports match official
- linesmanSideline sports official
- whistleShrill air-blown sounder
- foulOffensive or illegal
penalty · match · red card · offside · timekeeper · scorekeeper · call · ruling
Marriage rite and feast
- vowsSolemn binding promises
- altarSacred ritual table
- celebrantOne who observes festivities
- nuptialsVows and rings
solemnize · matrimony · ordination · baptism · benediction · liturgy · sacrament · consecration
Event's lead announcer
- galaFestive formal occasion
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- state dinnerFormal diplomatic reception meal
protocol · dignitaries · inauguration · ribbon cutting · groundbreaking · commencement · swearing-in · keynote
referee
Sports rule enforcer
foul · penalty · match · red card · offside · timekeeper · scorekeeper · call · ruling · ejection
wedding
Marriage rite and feast
nuptials · solemnize · matrimony · ordination · baptism · benediction · liturgy · sacrament · consecration · funeral
master of ceremonies
Event's lead announcer
state dinner · protocol · dignitaries · inauguration · ribbon cutting · groundbreaking · commencement · swearing-in · keynote · podium
officiatesattends
Is present at
witnesses · abstains · defers · steps aside · stands down