1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
our chief priority this year will be cutting the budget
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in presiding
highest in rank or authority
the chief administrator will be retiring soon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in body
the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts
the chief of the estate was left to the eldest son
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in leader
the person (as an employer or supervisor) who tells people and especially workers what to do
our chief is out on a business trip right now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chief
Harvard Business Review, 8 Nov. 2025
In the months before Aruká Juma died earlier this year from COVID-19, the last remaining male of the elusive warrior people who live in Brazil’s Amazon was passing on the tribe’s traditions to one of his daughters, who was anointed chief a few years ago.
—Adriana Brasileiro, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
On the left, critics see Vance as the Machiavellian defender-in-chief of a dangerous president who is using his second term to undermine democracy and the rule of law.
—Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Adjective
At Barton Creek Technologies, Anna Chen, the chief human resources officer, faces a dilemma over the company’s performance improvement plan (PIP).
—Harvard Business Review, 8 Nov. 2025
In the months before Aruká Juma died earlier this year from COVID-19, the last remaining male of the elusive warrior people who live in Brazil’s Amazon was passing on the tribe’s traditions to one of his daughters, who was anointed chief a few years ago.
—Adriana Brasileiro, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
But this meeting was the most high-profile and high stakes yet, a once-unthinkable encounter between the US commander-in-chief and a man who has faced American forces on the battlefield.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
On the left, critics see Vance as the Machiavellian defender-in-chief of a dangerous president who is using his second term to undermine democracy and the rule of law.
—Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
Adjective
-
But for much of the past two centuries, Port Renfrew’s main source of employment was not promoting trees but rather chopping them down—particularly, giant, old-growth trees that fetched the highest value.—
Brad Badelt,
Outside,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Rachelle Salnave, a filmmaker in Haiti, sent me videos of a piece of the Route Nationale, the country’s main transportation artery, collapsing like a glacier into a roiling, swollen river.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Officers discovered his body Thursday inside his apartment on the 2000 block of San Juan Road in the Natomas neighborhood.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Because perspiration slows you down long before precipitation, outdoor gear needs to efficiently help the body stay warm, fresh and comfortable while eliminating moisture build-up.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The president worked with Gifford Pinchot—the US Forest Service’s first leader—on a publicity campaign in this realm, and came to appoint a commission in 1903 that held public hearings and investigations the president knew would grab headlines.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Sustainable transformation isn’t achieved by a mandate; instead, it’s driven by leaders who focus on people first.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite the massive buildout, Al Khateeb assured the crowd that protecting the natural environment remains a foremost concern of Saudi Arabia’s government.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The unscripted series pairs Snooki with Kevin Whitaker, one of Canada’s foremost psychic mediums.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The victories are seen by many analysts and political figures as a signal that Democrats have regained momentum after losses in the 2024 election cycle—while some Republican voices warn of growing disconnection from core voters.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The conflict could also arise over other core values, such as how to raise kids or what activities to prioritize in the relationship.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The fascination with boss-employee relationships will probably never fade.—
Emily Nix,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Another individual familiar with events said Turness, the boss of BBC News, has repeatedly made efforts to get the corporation to respond to Prescott’s memo.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This discount shall apply only to the primary residence of the user and shall not apply to separate irrigation meters.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Last season’s Most Improved Player was the primary defender on Dončić, who was held to 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field in 27 minutes.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The World Series continues with Game 6 as the Dodgers look to take a commanding 3-1 lead.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Taylor opted to go sans top beneath the jacket, heightening the commanding sensual style.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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