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
Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
As a result, Tehran has tried to balance Chinese influence by maintaining strong ties to India, Beijing’s chief rival within the developing world.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Indeed, the film would have been a bonafide disaster if not for the self-possessiveness of its cast, Rachel Brosnahan chief among them.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Adjective
Gatlin’s yearly salary as the Foundation’s chief operating officer rose to about $300,000 in 2024.
—Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
As a result, Tehran has tried to balance Chinese influence by maintaining strong ties to India, Beijing’s chief rival within the developing world.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
Noun
Chell, who was chief of patrol at the time of the wrongdoing alleged in the new lawsuits, took over as chief of department after Maddrey’s resignation.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Indeed, the film would have been a bonafide disaster if not for the self-possessiveness of its cast, Rachel Brosnahan chief among them.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
Adjective
-
The project’s data goes through June 10, and only includes administrative immigration arrests made by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, or ERO, the agency’s main arm that enforces immigration policy.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
-
These tickets have to be redeemed at the Florida Lottery main office in Tallahassee or one of the district offices.—
David J. Neal
July 6,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
The body always tells the truth, and your body on that lie detector test spoke loud and clear.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
8 July 2025
-
In terms of the new La Liga season, Barca asked for their first matches to be scheduled away from home and the competition body has granted this.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The White House sent letters to leaders of several countries announcing blanket tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% starting Aug. 1.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
8 July 2025
-
The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, addresses the audience to celebrate his 90th birthday at Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama Temple, on July 06, 2025 in Dharamshala, India.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
First launched in 1985, FIBO has become one of the earth’s foremost fitness and wellness-focused trade shows, with roughly 130,000 participants set to convene in Cologne, Germany in April 2026.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Paul, a foremost Republican critic against Trump’s tariff policy, said the latest tariff, which Trump said would go into effect Aug. 1, could lead to a slippery slope that harms the U.S.’s economic standing and Wall Street.—
Al Weaver,
The Hill,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The spin-off allowed the parent company to focus on its core business and return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases .—
Anniek Bao,Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
10 July 2025
-
At its core are federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) like Baltimore Medical System, which provide primary care and wraparound support regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.—
Jacob Murphy,
Baltimore Sun,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Jumper eventually became air boss on the Midway, as the Vietnam War was fading out.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
The then-Red Bull boss stated that Ferrari must prioritize becoming a winning team, and admitted that heading it was a high-pressure job.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pocketbook Issues Dominate The primary drivers of uncertainly are the cost of living, price inflation and general economic uncertainty.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Fortunately, the various streaming platforms that ride sidecar with the primary ratings engine of TV are recapturing a healthy percentage of the younger crowd who represent the future of sports consumption.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Five minutes later, an own goal by Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles, who was subbed into the match in the 19th minute, gave PSG a commanding 3-0 lead.—
Wayne Sterling,
CNN Money,
29 June 2025
-
The Democratic Socialist state Assembly member defied expectations and took a commanding lead in Tuesday's New York City mayoral primary.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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