as in mainly
for the most part
our video collection consists chiefly of comedies, but we have a few horror movies
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Recent Examples of chiefly
This two-day bash has all the makings of a good time — chiefly, live music played by talented Colorado musicians and lots and lots of wine.
—
Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Trade negotiations between Japan and the US have remained at an impasse – chiefly over Trump’s tariffs on cars, a key pillar of the Japanese economy.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
His chief obstacle may be politics, chiefly the state Legislature’s resistance to the many proposals that require its assent.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
The timing — falling chiefly from about 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. — led to many car crashes and a few early school closures and also forced the delay of some high school basketball games until Saturday.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chiefly
Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Trade negotiations between Japan and the US have remained at an impasse – chiefly over Trump’s tariffs on cars, a key pillar of the Japanese economy.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
His chief obstacle may be politics, chiefly the state Legislature’s resistance to the many proposals that require its assent.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
The timing — falling chiefly from about 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. — led to many car crashes and a few early school closures and also forced the delay of some high school basketball games until Saturday.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chiefly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chiefly
Adverb
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Third-degree burns cover 19% of the girlfriend’s skin, mainly on the right side of her body, according to prosecutors.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
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Walmart $399 Apple All the changes to last year's Watch Series 10 (issued in advance of the Apple Watch's 10th anniversary) were designed mainly to make the Apple Watch irresistible once more.—
Adrienne So,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
Adverb
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The desert sand at the test site is composed mostly of grains of quartz and feldspar, with small crystals of calcite, hornblende, and augite mixed in.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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The victims were mostly young, gay men Baumeister had lured to Fox Hollow.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
15 July 2025
Adverb
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That’s proven to be a fruitful investment for the Yankees, who have primarily rotated Bellinger in the three outfield spots but use him intermittently at first base, too.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
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Kmet has shown flashes but hasn’t put it all together, primarily due to quarterback play.—
Jeff Haverlack,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adverb
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Their lineup has serious pop already, largely courtesy of Aaron Judge, but if the Yankees are able to add another potential 45 home run bat, the lineup adds an extra element of power.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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But economists largely agree that trade deficits are not losses or subsidies.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
Adverb
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The predominantly green design with contrasting swirls of gold, red, and black will surely make its mark in the minds of onlookers.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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However, there are many typical dishes that are influenced by the predominantly Italian and Spanish immigrants.—
Liza B. Zimmerman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chiefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chiefly. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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