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.

It sometimes has a humorous suggestion of pomposity or officiousness.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

In a city with a history of electing charismatic lawbreakers, Mendelson is an almost burlesque figure of bureaucratic officiousness, complete with Panama hat and a tidy mustache that predates the Carter administration.

From Washington Post • Mar. 4, 2017

The attempted change was called out as fun-spoiling officiousness.

From The Guardian • Sep. 30, 2016

Neighbor Shockley notes that some in the community now comment on Callahan’s never-ending officiousness.

From Washington Times • Sep. 10, 2016

Her mother, when Aunty Uju came back, stayed in Dolphin Estate for a while, bathing and feeding the gurgling, smooth-skinned baby, but she faced The General with a cold officiousness.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie