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 Larson has clashed chiefly with Bronin — rather than his other two opponents — during the campaign. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 Some industrials are going higher, chiefly non-data-center ones. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 June 2026 Tom’s journey to happiness (and, chiefly, Mary) also held another personal element for Quintrell. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 But the accord already faces threats, chiefly from Lebanon, with the fighting there leading to a delay in the start of talks planned for Friday in Switzerland. — Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chiefly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chiefly

Adverb

Drafted as a running back, Hawthorne served mainly as a backup, amassing 527 career rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

— Jim Barnes July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026
Relations between the Malian military junta and Algeria began to deteriorate two years ago, when Mali ended a crucial 2015 peace deal with local Azawad separatists, mainly mediated by Algeria.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026

Definition of mainly

Adverb

Politics have mostly been irrelevant (well, until yesterday’s red-card controversy), and many Americans have briefly set aside their red-versus-blue differences to rally together in the nation’s swirly red, white, and blue soccer kits.

— Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Hargitay reps a unique choice by NBC and the Television Academy for hosting the Emmys, which in recent years has stuck mostly with standups, late night hosts or comedic actors.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 July 2026

Definition of mostly

Adverb

Their tropical cocktails and frozen delights are easily crushable, primarily made with vodka, mezcal, rum and tequila.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Although Chicago had its issues with redlining and massive disinvestment that left generational scars on some primarily Black neighborhoods, the small town ethos held little sway over me.

— Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of primarily

Adverb

Giselle Garcia, program director for NorCal Resist, said the arrest data largely tracks with the organization’s own informal counts though emphasized much enforcement goes unaccounted for if families aren’t willing to speak up.

— Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
During the war, as the death toll ticked upward in the enclave, search operations for bodies largely stopped, either because most heavy equipment was destroyed, fuel became scarce or many strike sites became inaccessible due to the fighting.

— Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of largely

Adverb

Oppenheimer’s note was principally focused, fitting for a global strategist, on how equity returns will be reshaped in a new regime.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The laser targeted one of three ground stations, principally NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Table Mountain Facility in California, with a third, experimental ground station at the Australian National University's Mount Stromlo Observatory.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 June 2026

Definition of principally

Adverb

The 678 cases have predominantly been confirmed the southeast region of Michigan including Wayne County, where Detroit is located.

— Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 July 2026
The neighborhood attracted a predominantly working-class community of Black families who lived in modest single-family houses.

— Jena Brooker, ProPublica, 6 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of chiefly

adverb

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