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
Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2025
Its chief areas of responsibility are the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025
Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
In San Mateo County, the DA’s office trains local law enforcement about filing for gun-violence restraining orders, and has two detectives assigned to its Gun Violence Prevention Program to serve as county experts, said Bill Massey, chief of the agency’s Bureau of Investigation.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Adjective
In their quest to know the scholarship status, the trio visited Carmen Arrieta-Calendaria, chief financial officer.
—Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2025
Its chief areas of responsibility are the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
Another former assistant chief, Paul Neudigate, is the police chief in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
In San Mateo County, the DA’s office trains local law enforcement about filing for gun-violence restraining orders, and has two detectives assigned to its Gun Violence Prevention Program to serve as county experts, said Bill Massey, chief of the agency’s Bureau of Investigation.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
Adjective
-
As for Sundance’s main slate of world premiere films, the festival is still heads down screening some half a dozen movies a day ahead of lineup announcements later this fall.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The verdict of the Specialized Criminal Court in the city of Banska Bystrica closes a trial that began in July and whose main question was whether Cintula, who admitted shooting Fico, was guilty of terrorism or less serious crimes of murder or attack.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Aquatic nuisance species are non-native plants and animals that can cause ecological or economic harm, or even harm to human health if introduced to a body of water.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
-
These six full-body blankets rose to the top for heat therapy at home.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Schneider has been a vital leader for Walpole all year in a preseason position switch from the forward line to center-midfielder.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
-
This is the web version of CEO Daily, a newsletter of must-read global insights from CEOs and industry leaders.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The 2019 Nationals aren’t even the foremost road warriors of the last few years.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Olivier Wenden is Vice Chairman & CEO, Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, one of the world’s foremost philanthropic institutions dedicated to environmental conservation.—
Olivier Wenden,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The therapeutic support core adjusts to your body’s curves, virtually eliminating pressure points.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Equity in food access at Plant Joy Deli Childs' energy around her business comes back to her core belief that food, especially healthy options, shouldn't be out of reach for anyone.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Connors helped just about everyone who needed it, his friend PR boss George Regan said at the awards ceremony.—
Joe Dwinell,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Your next movie night will be complete with this ’90s psychological thriller starring a vengeful nanny attempting to destroy a former boss’s life.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And while Sturm offers a small group of men’s options (the Face Cream Men doubles as an after-shave soother), some of her male clientele seem content to buy the primary unisex line.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Essential menopause services belong in national primary health packages and in public and private insurance coverage.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead, Reeves became Estragon, the more simplistic and long-suffering of the duo, while Winter tackled Vladimir, the more commanding and verbose character.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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