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
Annie Nova, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Among the changes, Emily Essner, president and chief commercial officer; Bill Bine, chief transformation officer for Saks Global, and Rob Brooks, the chief operating officer, left the company.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Susan Page is the Washington Bureau chief of USA TODAY.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Adjective
Wayne Johnson, the 2024 Republican nominee for Congress in Georgia's 2nd District and a former chief operating officer at the Office of Federal Student Aid, is financially backing the class action effort.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Among the changes, Emily Essner, president and chief commercial officer; Bill Bine, chief transformation officer for Saks Global, and Rob Brooks, the chief operating officer, left the company.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
As police chief, O’Hara said his primary goal has been to push a sense of urgency and pride in the department, while still acknowledging its unique challenges.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Susan Page is the Washington Bureau chief of USA TODAY.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
Adjective
-
Cebu is also one the country’s main tourist centers.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Most of the money was poured into three main super PACs, both pro-Cuomo and anti-Mamdani.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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When the bodies of the drowned are retrieved, they’re sent to Alexandroupoli to be identified.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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The bag can be carried by hand or worn on the shoulder or cross-body, thanks to the detachable handle and perforated cotton shoulder strap.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 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
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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
-
One man is taking a stand against his boss, who doesn't respect his boundaries outside of work hours.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
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Former Middlesbrough boss Carrick is highly regarded too, and — like O’Neil — is out of work at present.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Two guest bedrooms can be found downstairs, while four more upstairs bedrooms include a secluded primary retreat that comes with a fireplace, a dressing room, and dual baths.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
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This corner room offered the perfect view to keep watch over Main Street and the primary north-south international highway.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2025.
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