English Reference

Word

editorial

Phoneticsed·i·to·ri·al, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌɛdəˈtɔɹiəɫ/

UK/ˌɛdɪtˈɔːɹɪəl/

Definitions

01opinion article

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. an article in a newspaper or magazine that gives the official opinion of the editors on a specific topic.

n. a persuasive article in a periodical expressing the collective opinion of the publication's editors or publishers.

“The newspaper published a strong editorial arguing for better public transport in the city.”

“The Sunday edition featured a scathing editorial that criticised the government's failure to address the rising cost of living.”

Usage

Often used with the verb 'write' or 'publish'.

Synonyms

leaderopinion piececommentary

02relating to editing

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

adj. relating to the work of an editor or the process coordinates of preparing a text for publication.

adj. pertaining to the activities, decisions, or staff involved in editing a publication.

“She made a few editorial changes to the report to make it easier to read.”

“The final manuscript required significant editorial intervention to ensure the tone remained consistent across all twelve chapters.”

Usage

Commonly modifies nouns like 'changes', 'decisions', or 'staff'.

Synonyms

03high-fashion style

C1 · Advanced Informal

adj. a style of photography or clothing that looks like it belongs in a high-fashion magazine.

adj. denoting a style of photography or fashion characterised by artistic, dramatic, or non-commercial aesthetics typical of magazine spreads.

“The model's makeup was very editorial and not something you would wear to work.”

“The photographer opted for an editorial look, using harsh shadows and avant-garde poses rather than traditional portrait techniques.”

Teaching tip

In the fashion industry, 'editorial' is often contrasted with 'commercial' work.

Synonyms

stylisedhigh-fashion

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “editorial” in context.

Verb

01. publish an editorial

“The newspaper published a scathing editorial criticizing the new tax laws.”

verb + adj + noun

02. write an editorial

“The editor-in-chief decided to write an editorial about the recent changes in local government policy.”

verb + adj + noun

Adjective

03. editorial board

“The editorial board meets every Monday morning to discuss which topics to cover in the upcoming issue.”

adj + noun

04. editorial independence

“The journalists fought hard to maintain their editorial independence from the corporate owners.”

adj + noun

05. editorial staff

“The magazine's editorial staff worked late into the night to finalize the layout before the deadline.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. editorial assistant

“She started her career in publishing as an editorial assistant at a small literary press.”

noun + noun

07. editorial policy

“The website's editorial policy strictly prohibits the publication of unverified rumors.”

noun + noun

Preposition

08. in an editorial

“The Times argued in an editorial that the city needs more investment in public transportation.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.”
Al Jazeera 15 Aug 2026
“Three scientific journals are already testing the system as part of their editorial review process.”
ScienceDaily 16 Jul 2026

Etymology

From editor + -ial.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference