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Definitions

chief

[cheef] / tʃif /
ADJECTIVE
most important, essential
Synonyms
STRONGEST
leading main preeminent prime principal
STRONG
arch capital cardinal central champion first grand head key major premier primary ruling star superior telling
WEAK
consequential controlling crucial effective especial foremost highest momentous number one outstanding paramount potent predominant primal significant stellar supreme uppermost vital weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auxiliary extra inferior minor secondary subordinate unimportant
STRONG
bad inessential insignificant lower nonessential poor
WEAK
unnecessary
NOUN
person in charge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
captain commander director head leader manager ruler superintendent supervisor
STRONG
President bigwig boss chieftain dictator foreperson general governor honcho monarch overlord overseer principal proprietor ringleader sovereign suzerain
WEAK
big cheese big gun big wheel head honcho head person key player top brass top cat
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee follower
WEAK
apprentice servant subordinate underling worker

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.

Tim Lindholm, Metro’s chief program management officer, called the new subway “a historic leap” for providing mobility for Angelenos and everyone visiting the city.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Six Flags said Christopher Bennett, a partner at the international law firm Dentons, will join as chief legal and compliance officer on June 3.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"As soon as our chief minister takes the oath and our government assumes power, everything will be set right though it may take a little time," said BJP's Sukanta Majumdar, a junior federal minister.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

“We have written ad nauseam about how extreme the move in semis has been—in many cases not seen since the dot-com bubble,” writes Jonathan Krinsky, BTIG’s chief market technician.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The chief had left his desk to shut the door behind me.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing chief

Native American History - Introductory

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Aztec, Maya, and Inca Empires - Introductory

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Native American History - Middle School and High School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!