CHIEFLY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

chiefly

adverb

ˈchē-flē

Definition of chiefly

as in mainly

for the most part our video collection consists chiefly of comedies, but we have a few horror movies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of chiefly The grocery and home delivery space faces stiff competition chiefly from Amazon and Walmart, which has pressured conventional grocers for years. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Billionaires have poured hundreds of millions into super political action committees (super PACs) for campaign ads—chiefly supporting Republican candidates in tight Senate races. — Connor Greene, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Long before launch, the team faced obstacles that nearly thwarted the endeavor — chiefly, two rejections from NASA — before finally securing the green light for the $1 billion project under the New Frontiers Program in 2011. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Although the strategic consequences of their actions may ultimately benefit Iran in its own regional and international conflicts, the Houthis see their military campaign against Saudi Arabia chiefly as an act of national defense. — Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chiefly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chiefly

Adverb

But for now, the risks are mainly documented in case reports, series, and other anecdotal accounts.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 6 Nov. 2026
In findings published in December 2025, Gartner reported that over 80% of organizations expected to reduce customer-service agent headcount within 18 months, mainly through attrition.

— Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of mainly

Adverb

But, mostly, remain with the bedrock of what fueled the Big Three success more than a decade ago and then the Heat’s NBA Final trips success thereafter.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Gastrotypographicalassemblage is an approximately eight-by-thirty-four-foot wooden mural composed mostly of culinary terms set in expressive three-dimensional typefaces.

— Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of mostly

Adverb

Limiting electric boost primarily to these high-power phases reduces the amount of battery capacity—and battery weight—the aircraft must carry.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Properties are primarily based in cities, and Mallorca feels like a fresh and exciting new arm to its impressive portfolio, which now spans 46 hotels as well as private residences.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of primarily

Adverb

Morningstar analyst Loredana Muharremi told CNBC Wednesday's weakness in European defense stocks was largely sentiment-driven.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
The durable material is known to attract sea life to areas that are largely void of fish, creating a destination for fishing boats.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of largely

Adverb

Ready-to-wear Ready-to-wear, known in French as prêt-à-porter, differs from couture principally in that garments are designed to be produced repeatedly rather than for a single wearer.

— Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026
One family had become an institution, while the other remained a collection of individuals connected principally by ownership.

— Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of principally

Adverb

On an October weekend, his heavy schedule of stops included greeting people at the annual Boll Weevil Fall Festival in Enterprise, a predominantly white city of about 31,000.

— Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
The district’s Latino electorate is predominantly young, working-class, and migratory – a demographic that historically tracks lower in voter turnout, according to several studies.

— Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of predominantly

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chief justices

chiefly

chiefs

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“Chiefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chiefly. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of chiefly

adverb

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