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
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
-
In a statement on social media, the hospital said the attack resulted in severe damage to its main building.—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
-
Homelessness is certainly a major problem, said Julie Hayden, CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center, the area’s main shelter.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
This expands the air cavity created when their body enters the water.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
European football’s governing body positions its tournaments to dominate the end of each season.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
However, today’s tech leaders’ political positions are a mixed bag.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
The four European leaders jointly visited Kyiv last week and have been calling for Trump to back new sanctions on Russia.—
Pavel Polityuk,
USA Today,
20 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
Noun
-
In the 1990s, a sediment core extracted from Lake Chichancanab provided the first paleoclimatic evidence of a severe drought at the end of the Classic period.—
Lizzie Wade,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 May 2025
-
But the core concept has been expanded in smart and surprisingly thrilling ways.—
Blake Simons,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
One of the most quotable lines in FromSoftware’s hit video game Elden Ring is a line of of the early bosses says to you, foul Tarnished, during a fight.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
A lot of us end up chasing approval from a boss, from our parents.—
Fidel Martinez,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
There were the three thrilling games for the Florida Panthers against the Carolina Hurricanes in this Eastern Conference final, too, so full of drama and nastiness and easy wins to take a commanding 3-0 lead.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
27 May 2025
-
The Thunder will take a commanding 3-1 lead to their home court on Wednesday when the series shifts back to Oklahoma City.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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