Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for functionary.
Definitions

functionary

[fuhngk-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈfʌŋk ʃəˌnɛr i /
NOUN
agent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assistant broker commissioner deputy handler lawyer minister officer operative operator promoter representative worker
STRONG
abettor actor advocate ambassador assignee attorney delegate doer emissary envoy executor factor factotum go-between intermediary mover negotiator principal proctor proxy salesperson servant steward substitute surrogate
WEAK
mediary middleperson ten percenter
NOUN
bureaucrat
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator civil servant politician public servant
WEAK
desk-jockey officeholder pencil-pusher
NOUN
officer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agent chief civil servant deputy director executive leader manager official representative
STRONG
President appointee bureaucrat dignitary head magistrate officeholder
WEAK
organization administrator public servant
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee
NOUN
official
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator agent bureaucrat civil servant commissioner director executive leader manager minister officer representative secretary
STRONG
CEO President boss brains brass chancellor comptroller dignitary exec governor higher-up incumbent magistrate marshal mayor officeholder panjandrum premier top treasurer
WEAK
big shot front office head person top brass top dog
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The piece suggests this physical restraint conveyed an image of a cautious functionary rather than a dynamic leader capable of governing California during turbulent times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Because he was an obscure functionary, the lawmaker assumed that he would be an Aaron, Moses’ brother and supporter.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2025

One of my professors, Harry Wexler, had been a young functionary under the midcentury mayor-for-life Dick Lee.

From Slate • Sep. 21, 2025

A high-ranking party functionary and state media columnist, some credit her with boosting her brother’s public image by linking it more closely to that of his esteemed grandfather.

From Washington Times • Dec. 10, 2023

For the next five minutes, the eyes of the presiding judge, the jury, and every functionary of the court are glued to the main doors.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Vocabulary lists containing functionary

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Left Hand of Darkness

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Around the World in Eighty Days

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!