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
1
as in bodies
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 leaders
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
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
The nation’s chief health officer advocated letting a measles epidemic run its course, unimpeded by vaccinations.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025
The Hill Staff, The Hill, 20 May 2025
Hasbro, the owner of Nerf, Play-Doh and other toys and games, is cutting some items that won’t be profitable with 145% tariffs on China, Hasbro finance chief Gina Goetter said on an earnings call in April.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Adjective
When Arthur Blank expressed an interest in launching a Major League Soccer franchise in Atlanta, the Atlanta Falcons owner had a knowledgeable resource on his staff, vice president and chief marketing officer Jim Smith.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
The nation’s chief health officer advocated letting a measles epidemic run its course, unimpeded by vaccinations.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025
Noun
Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief, is testifying Tuesday morning before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the agency’s fiscal 2026 budget request.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 20 May 2025
Hasbro, the owner of Nerf, Play-Doh and other toys and games, is cutting some items that won’t be profitable with 145% tariffs on China, Hasbro finance chief Gina Goetter said on an earnings call in April.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
Adjective
-
This addition sees another key member of the iconic D-Generation X (DX) faction contributing behind the scenes, joining Triple H, who heads main roster creative, Shawn Michaels, who is in charge of NXT creative, and Road Dogg, currently working as a co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
-
Two main issues are conveyed: No credible debt management approach exists.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Mark Morgan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Cruise emerged as Hollywood's foremost advocate for the theatrical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters across the globe were staring down an uncertain future.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
There are two primary types of retail pharmacies: chain pharmacies, which are operated by larger companies, and independent pharmacies, which are often locally owned.—
Lucas Dufalla,
Arkansas Online,
24 May 2025
-
The primary exception is that every third update does require a reboot, that enables a fuller update that can get to the parts of your PC a hot patch might not reach.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Which ever of the two superstars steps up the biggest tonight can give their team a commanding lead as the series starts to come to a close.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
Adam Henrique scored twice in what was a brutally physical first period, sparking the Oilers to a dominant 3-0 win to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round series.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Saudis have been urging the Iranian regime to strike a nuclear accord with the United States and even sent their defense minister to meet with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, last month.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
6 May 2025
-
Get the recipe 07 of 21 Pepperoni Pasta Salad This pasta salad tastes like a supreme pizza in the best way possible.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The soda business grew in popularity in a predominant Mormon area, according to the New York Times, as the church prohibits drinks that are hot caffeinated like tea and coffee.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
While Putin’s predominant image in the outside world is that of a ruthless strongman, for domestic audiences the Kremlin has tried to soften this image.—
Peter Rutland,
The Conversation,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Rob Enderle, principal analyst with advisory services firm Enderle Group, said the recent ruling applies to the U.S. and Apple wants to retain the rest of its control worldwide.—
Wendy Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
-
Black Sun is currently in development, with principal photography planned for the first half of 2026.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Yet mainstream culture is no longer dominant there: The media outlets and public figures are now punch lines for the site’s main characters, Musk and his MAGA acolytes.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
23 May 2025
-
But perhaps the most dominant aspect of the win came on the defensive end.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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