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Definitions

boss

[baws, bos] / bɔs, bɒs /
NOUN
manager over other employees
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator chief chieftain director employer executive leader owner supervisor
STRONG
controller exec foreperson head honcho overseer superintendent wheel
WEAK
big cheese big gun big person dominator girlboss head honcho helmer person in charge taskperson top dog
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee worker
STRONG
subordinate
NOUN
game antagonist
Synonyms
STRONGEST
antagonist opponent
STRONG
adversary enemy foe
WEAK
character
Antonyms
STRONG
player protagonist
VERB
control; command
Synonyms
STRONG
administer administrate chaperone direct employ manage overlook oversee quarterback run superintend supervise survey
WEAK
take charge
Antonyms
STRONG
follow obey serve
ADJECTIVE
great
Synonyms
STRONG
capital champion fine fly top
WEAK
awesome bang-up excellent first-rate whiz-bang wonderful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
lousy terrible

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 White House insiders say this isn’t why Hegseth is on the outs with his boss.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

After numerous roles in Italy's lower leagues, Allegri was appointed Milan boss in 2010, winning Serie A in his first full season.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

It also seemingly left boss Guardiola unimpressed too - he stood on the touchline with his arms folded, shaking his head.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

He went on to serve as Shenzhen’s party boss and Guangdong’s governor, the province’s No. 2 leader.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“C’mon, Steve,” Danny pleaded with a man who, technically, was his boss, “there’s an etiquette here. You at least have to wear a collared shirt.”

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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