NYT Dictionary

OFFICIAL

/əˈfɪʃəl/

AdjectiveNounof-FI-cialof-fi-cial · 3 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

Of or about an office or public trust.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English official, from Old French official, from Latin officiālis, from Latin officium (“duty, service”), by surface analysis, office + -ial.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

officialapprovedrecognizedsanctioneddecreedfunctionaryprescribedabsoluteacceptedadministration

Antonyms

unofficial

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

2025-02-27CRAOLFI
2024-10-05OALFCIY
2023-05-06IRAOFCL