as in leader
the person (as an employer or supervisor) who tells people and especially workers what to do
every morning the boss hands out a list of top-priority tasks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
slang
as in excellent
of the very best kind
that's a really boss stereo you've got
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to supervise
to be in charge of
she bossed that project for years, until she was promoted again
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to rule
to exercise authority or power over
bossed the entire job site for a year
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to lead
to serve as leader of
bossed the entire gang of electricians on the construction project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of boss
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Wright drew disagreement from his boss by suggesting gas prices would not return to pre-war levels anytime soon or before voters go to the polls in the midterm congressional elections.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025
This excludes things like putting in legendaries for end of mission rewards or taking them out of non-boss chests.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2021
Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Throughout her career, Beyoncé has taken every opportunity to boss up and better her craft, keeping her razor-sharp talent and intention at the forefront of each decision].
—Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for boss
Noun
This time playing an underling rather than a boss, Hoskins gave one of the best performances of his career in what remains a high point for Jordan as well, a lyrical and poignant yet savage film noir filled with regret, rage, and unrequited love.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Wright drew disagreement from his boss by suggesting gas prices would not return to pre-war levels anytime soon or before voters go to the polls in the midterm congressional elections.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
That’s basically the boss level of the shopping game—and usually requires hours of research.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025
This excludes things like putting in legendaries for end of mission rewards or taking them out of non-boss chests.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2021
Verb
Leeds United had bossed the first half and David Moyes felt there was little alternative but to copy Daniel Farke.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Throughout her career, Beyoncé has taken every opportunity to boss up and better her craft, keeping her razor-sharp talent and intention at the forefront of each decision].
—Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for boss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boss
Noun
-
The Blackhawks kept pace in the conference standings with Riverside-Brookfield and Glenbard East, with all three teams trailing league leader South Elgin by one game.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
As the eldest brother in the band, Alan was often seen as its de facto leader.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This premise, bolstered by excellent performances all around, could easily have sustained a totally enjoyable TV show.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Both strikers demand attention from defenders but are excellent off-the-ball runners too.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Chavez, a 78-year-old retiree who worked as a foreman supervising construction at the site, also disappeared in May 2025, according to Los Alamos police.—
Natasha Chen,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Goldwyn served as writer and supervising producer on Emily in Paris, and writer on SMILF and Awkwafina is Nora From Queens, among others.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Ceddanne Rafaela’s throw to the second base bag just barely beat Jahmai Jones’ slide, and while the Tigers designated hitter was initially ruled safe, the play was overturned on replay.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
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Despite Hungary becoming one of Europe’s top production hubs over the past half-decade, Káel has been widely criticized for his ties to the ruling Fidesz party and the end of his mandate comes as no surprise.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
McCollum scored a game-high 32 points to lead the Hawks back from a 14-point second-half deficit and tie the series 1-1.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
-
At the conclusion of every regular season, provided the Knicks make the playoffs, the organization redesigns the corridor leading from the home locker room to the Madison Square Garden hardwood floors.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Bill and Doris Cooper were responsible for converting all 28 acres of vines to CCOF Certified Organic status in 2011, a designation maintained to this day by general manager Jan Garrod and his son Trevor, who serves as winemaker and ranch yard foreman.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Customers were very important; workers, foremen.—
Michael Kilian,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s been really awesome to watch the difference in how everyone operates.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
19 Apr. 2026
-
For the Padres so far, ABS stands for awesome, bueno and satisfactory.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The agency has floated the idea of transitioning special-education services to Health and Human Services—the department, McMahon pointed out, that oversaw special education before Ed existed.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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If passed, the bill could let some beach cities and counties, not the Coastal Commission, oversee development of certain housing projects, as well as efforts to create new or improved bike lanes, outdoor dining expansions and temporary street uses connected to big events, such as the 2028 Olympics.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Boss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boss. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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