1
: most importantly : principally, especially
Examples of chiefly in a Sentence
Adverb
our video collection consists chiefly of comedies, but we have a few horror movies
Recent Examples on the Web
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Nov. 2025
The event was a benefit for Reasons to Be Cheerful, an online magazine and newsletter founded by Byrne and dedicated chiefly to sharing heartwarming stories.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Mark L. Haas, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025
Our own arcane and slow processes are chiefly to blame.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chiefly
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Adverb
Considering the vast majority of its emissions originate in its supply chain, Patagonia’s primary decarbonization strategy focuses on the textile mills and facilities deeply dependent on fossil fuels, chiefly coal, for wet-processing production stages like dyeing and drying.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Nov. 2025
The event was a benefit for Reasons to Be Cheerful, an online magazine and newsletter founded by Byrne and dedicated chiefly to sharing heartwarming stories.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
As the number of seniors skyrockets, government obligations for the welfare of the elderly, chiefly pensions and health care, have ballooned.
—Mark L. Haas, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025
Our own arcane and slow processes are chiefly to blame.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chiefly
Cite this Entry
“Chiefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiefly. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
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