Synonyms for

Bureau

Verb / ˈbjʊrəʊ / Another word for bureau — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A piece of furniture with drawers and usually a flat top for writing.

Synonyms & similar words

dresser governmentagency office chestofdrawers agency federalagency authority chest desk cabinet chiffonier commode console davenport escritoire secretary sideboard vanity wardrobe chest dresser buffet hutch armoire bookcase bookshelf shelf

Synonyms by register

Formal

office department agency administration

Informal

desk counter station

Literary

chancery registry

Antonyms

individual home private personal informal unorganized

Common collocations

  • government bureau
  • public bureau
  • housing bureau
  • information bureau
  • city bureau
  • state bureau
  • local bureau
  • federal bureau

Word family

noun bureau
adjective bureaucratic

Usage note

While 'bureau' can refer to a piece of furniture, its primary modern usage refers to a government department or office. Be mindful of context to avoid confusion.

Example sentences

  1. I put my clothes in the bureau.
  2. My mom keeps her important papers in the bureau.
  3. I have a small bureau in my bedroom.
  4. The antique bureau was very expensive.
  5. The bureau had a lot of compartments for storage.

Quotes

  • "I don't know what this is all about. He's got his bureau chief talking to the State Department. Who knows what's going on?" - Bob Woodward
  • "The Englishman wants to be recognized as a gentleman, or as some other suitable species of human being; the American wants to be considered a good guy." - Louis Kronenberger
  • "He was a man, he always performed his promises." - Daniel Defoe

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