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Synonyms for

Bureaucratic

Adjective / ˌbjʊrʌˈkrætɪk / Another word for bureaucratic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to a system of government in which there are many departments and rules and procedures

Synonyms & similar words

administrative procedural official governmental regulatory formal red-tape routine rigid strict organized systematic structured methodical boring tedious cumbersome complicated complex convoluted

Synonyms by register

Formal

administrative organizational procedural official

Informal

red-tapey rule-bound paper-pushing

Antonyms

unbureaucratic streamlined efficient flexible uncomplicated direct informal

Common collocations

  • bureaucratic inefficiency
  • bureaucratic hurdles
  • bureaucratic process
  • bureaucratic structure
  • bureaucratic red tape
  • bureaucratic nightmare
  • bureaucratic system

Word family

noun bureaucracy
adjective bureaucratic
adverb bureaucratically

Usage note

Often used with a negative connotation to describe excessive rules, procedures, or officials that hinder efficiency. It is primarily an adjective, with the noun 'bureaucracy' referring to the system itself.

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Example sentences

  1. The bureaucratic policies made it difficult for the small business to operate efficiently.
  2. The paperwork was so bureaucratic that it took weeks to complete.
  3. The government agency was known for its bureaucratic red tape.
  4. The company had to navigate through a lot of bureaucratic hurdles to get their project approved.
  5. The bureaucracy of the healthcare system can be overwhelming for patients.

Quotes

  • The more bureaucratic a country is, the more corrupt it is.
  • Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status.
  • Bureaucracy is a giant mechanism operated by pygmies.

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