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Definitions

chiefly

[cheef-lee] / ˈtʃif li /
ADVERB
most importantly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
especially essentially largely mostly predominantly principally
STRONG
mainly primarily
WEAK
above all in general in the first place in the main on the whole overall usually
Antonyms
WEAK
unimportantly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But its treatment in general showed "there are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men's football," she added.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

Haigh and team explain that the precious metals rally was chiefly propelled by inflows from exchange-traded funds and that influence has been exaggerated of late.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

And I believe that Fed independence is chiefly up to the Fed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

So after intensive talks over the Christmas period, a deal has been thrashed out, which seems to chiefly revolve around the sweetener of contract reform.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Winston stopped reading, chiefly in order to appreciate the fact that he was reading, in comfort and safety.

From "1984" by George Orwell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.