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
Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The environment is perhaps Charles’ chief concern as head of state.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026
Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 4 May 2026
By International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol’s estimations, Europe has about three weeks of jet fuel remaining.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chief
Adjective
Chris Oliviero, chief business officer for Audacy, said the moves are aimed at providing more local content to listeners in the Los Angeles market.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The environment is perhaps Charles’ chief concern as head of state.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
This is the fashion icon's first gala since stepping down as Vogue's editor-in-chief.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 4 May 2026
By International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol’s estimations, Europe has about three weeks of jet fuel remaining.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
Adjective
-
The deep main compartment is large enough to fit even straw hats and nicer shoes without squishing them, and this trunk looks equally right in an airport or the lobby of the Carlyle Hotel, Mom’s favorite.—
Amanda Eyre Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
-
The former senator is another big Democratic recruiting win and is a main reason why this state is a Toss-Up.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Two former players were deemed permanently ineligible to participate in NCAA play after the governing body found them in violation of potential game manipulation for sports betting.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The modeling industry has long played a role in perpetuating unrealistic body standards, though there have been cyclical advances and setbacks.—
Rory Satran,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The crowd includes top business leaders, including Apple’s Tim Cook and NVIDIA's Jensen Huang.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Senior defender Peyton Johnson, Elizabeth’s older sister, is Oswego’s other team leader.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That nickname cemented itself in the 1990s, when the team became one of baseball’s foremost powers, winning the division title year after year, reaching the World Series five times and winning in 1995, and producing five Hall of Fame players.—
Andrew Kirell,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
-
His melding of blues, country, and gospel music placed him among the foremost pioneers of rockabilly and ultimately defined the genre of rock and roll.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Retailers that effectively deploy AI in their physical stores recognize the human elements at the core of the in-person shopping experience.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Wu’s office said the veterans department will continue to provide core services to all qualifying veterans and provide financial and medical assistance to qualifying veterans and their dependents with limited incomes for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, as required by state law.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Menin has supported Wilson, Bottcher’s former chief of staff, who had his ex-boss’s blessing in the race.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
On behalf of everyone at Disney, on behalf of [new CEO] Josh [D’Amaro] and [Disney Entertainment, Studios, chairman] Alan Bergman and [FX boss] John Landgraf and Debra OConnell, our new head of Disney Entertainment Television.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Opponents hope to block the map from taking effect before congressional primary elections in August.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
The primary election will be June 30.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Senior midfielder Meghan O’Donnell, who scored her eighth goal of the season during Libertyville’s 3-2 win over Waubonsie Valley on Thursday, said Chung is a commanding presence.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Few materials feel so commanding and permanent as concrete.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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