chief 1 of 2

adjective

ˈchēf How to pronounce chief (audio)
Definition of chiefnext
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance our chief priority this year will be cutting the budget

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2
as in presiding
highest in rank or authority the chief administrator will be retiring soon

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chief

2 of 2

noun

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

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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

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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 chief
Adjective
Overseeing their appearance at the bar was Denni Manzatto, who was appointed CEO of Church’s in 2022 before being promoted to its president alongside a new role as chief integration and transformation officer at Versace earlier this year. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Similarly, other countries have been inspired by Morocco’s developments in soccer, by far the most popular sport in Africa, said Ijasanmi, who previously worked as chief operational officer of the Confederation of African Football. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
The film did, however, turn 20th, particularly studio chief Steve Asbell, into serious Duffield fans. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 The following month, Brad Lightcap, a longtime OpenAI executive, and Denise Dresser, who served as revenue chief, also left the company. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chief
  1. main
  2. foremost
  3. body
  4. leader
  5. primary
  6. commanding
  7. core
  8. boss
Adjective
  • Spray bottle on bottom shelf of main prep table lacking label information.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Through the program, this year’s Rising Stars will connect with industry leaders and take part in the festival’s main activities, from panel discussions and media engagements to the red carpet.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Astaire is the world's foremost exponent of that particular variety of heart throb!
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The former is one of the world's foremost entertainment capitals, and the latter has a starving fan base and state-of-the-art venue in Climate Pledge Arena.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of foremost
Noun
  • His son, Gal Meir, was killed in Gaza in December 2023, during an operation to recover the bodies of two Israeli hostages.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • She was treated at hospitals in Ramallah and Israel for lacerations across her body, a broken rib and four broken vertebrae.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of body
Noun
  • For at least a week, the Ukrainian leader has said his country has not received early warnings about ballistic missiles aimed at the capital.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The event has brought together around 200 founders, investors, sovereign wealth representatives and government leaders to discuss developments across AI, robotics and space.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of leader
Adjective
  • The primary danger of these apps is not the fees associated with using just one, Feltner noted.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The bill was introduced over a year ago, and its primary backer was the late Lindsey Graham, a veteran Republican senator who represented South Carolina.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Wembanyama, for his part, is eager to become a more commanding voice on the defensive end.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Kirkwood had a commanding lead before Palou's spin caused a caution.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of commanding
Noun
  • The first step is to establish an identity of how to give that represents your core values.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • If the Petten trials succeed, Thorizon’s swappable core could offer a clear path forward.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Banijay bosses Jeff Zucker, Marco Bassetti and Jane Turton were in Cannes along with David Decker, the executive handed the Skydance content sales keys by David Ellison.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Durham was later apprehended and served time in prison for the crime, but not before selling the paintings to a notorious crime boss who was later found in possession of the art.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of boss

Phrases Containing chief

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chiding
chief
chief justice
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Cite this Entry

“Chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chief. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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