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Showing results for officialdom. Search instead for officialdo.
Definitions

officialdom

[uh-fish-uhl-duhm] / əˈfɪʃ əl dəm /
NOUN
bureaucracy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administration authority civil service management ministry red tape
STRONG
directorate government officials
WEAK
beadledom city hall powers that be regulatory commission the Establishment the system
NOUN
red tape
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bureaucracy
WEAK
authority bureaucratic paperwork city hall government management official forms official procedures officialism paper shuffling powers that be proper channels regulatory commission the Establishment the system

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.

Despite her energetic enquiries to several layers of officialdom within Germany and beyond, Usik says she "hasn't been able to find a solution".

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

In fact, he believes officialdom in Mexico has deliberately placed obstacles in the relatives’ path to prevent them from reaching the truth.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2024

He often spoke about his connections to officialdom, two people who knew him said, on condition of anonymity.

From Reuters • Nov. 14, 2023

But on the principle that one waits to be asked to join the most exclusive clubs, Seoul officialdom is keeping mum.

From Washington Times • May 18, 2023

Uniforms, posters warning against fifth columnists, two big air-raid shelters dug into the park lawns, and everywhere, surly officialdom.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan