semiofficial

[ sem-ee-uh-fish-uhl, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

1. having some degree of official authority.

Other Words From

• semi·of·ficial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiofficial¹

First recorded in 1800–10; semi- + official

Example Sentences

Some people held photographs of Mr. Raisi; the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that the country’s interior minister and acting president had been spotted in the crowd.

From New York Times

The semiofficial Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported the sound of blasts, without giving a cause.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Raisi said it was an “inhumane assault in brazen violation of international law,” in comments reported by Tasnim, a semiofficial news agency.

From New York Times

Tasnim News and IRNA, both semiofficial Iranian news agencies, quoted security officials saying that the incident was being investigated as a terrorist attack, but did not identify a suspect.

From New York Times

Authorities in Tehran did not immediately acknowledge the claim, though semiofficial news agencies denied it.

From Washington Times