BUREAUCRATIC Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

bureaucratic

adjective

Definition of bureaucratic

as in governmental

of, relating to, or like a nonelective government official or body of government officials a bureaucratic institution bureaucratic procedures

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of bureaucratic The report details how bureaucratic disorganization left the Fed vulnerable to overspending on a project to renovate and connect a pair of historical federal buildings in Washington. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026 However, there are fewer outside resources to help residents with these bureaucratic tasks. — Aaron Bolton, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 The measure is designed not to eliminate environmental protections but to counter the bureaucratic delays and lengthy lawsuits that slow development projects in the state and drive up construction costs to often prohibitive levels, backers say. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Her post went viral, and the military moved to restore them, citing bureaucratic oversight. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bureaucratic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bureaucratic

Adjective

Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
His case was also shared with the local district attorney, who has the authority to prosecute misuse of confidential governmental data, but the district attorney declined to pursue criminal charges, the audit said.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of governmental

Adjective

Parties must take at least 5% of the vote to win parliamentary seats.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Spain’s government lost two parliamentary votes to ratify emergency housing measures after Catalan separatists joined conservatives and the far right in opposition.

— Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of parliamentary

Adjective

Aubrey Layne, Sentara’s chief administrative officer, said lower payment rates from government programs — and impending cuts to Medicaid — are forcing the hospital to play hardball with the insurers that are representing employers.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Organizations must also prioritize educating all users, from classroom teachers and administrative staff to senior leadership, on their roles.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of administrative

Browse Nearby Words

bureaucrateses

bureaucratic

bureaucrats

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“Bureaucratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bureaucratic. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bureaucratic

adjective

Example Sentences

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