Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

“The consumer is still a little bit muted,” Procter & Gamble’s chief financial officer said last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Analysts described the deal at the time as a "natural fit" for Meta, with founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg spurring the firm's AI development.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

The past two earnings seasons have delivered robust earnings growth from the major tech firms, but decidedly mixed reactions among investors,” said Jonas Goltermann, chief markets economist at Capital Economics.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Cassie Sauer, chief executive officer of the Washington State Hospital Association, said that the WISeR vendor in that state, Virtix Health, appears “particularly aggressive and unresponsive.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

At the end of the prayer, the chief stood up.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing chief

Native American History - Introductory

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Aztec, Maya, and Inca Empires - Introductory

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!