Synonyms for

Chief

Verb / tʃi:f / Another word for chief — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The person who is the leader of a group or organization.

Synonyms & similar words

gaffer head headman primary tribalchief main chieftain topdog principal honcho master foreman boss leader boss head director commander manager supervisor principal ruler governor captain president chairman executive officer administrator overseer foreman forewoman superintendent

Synonyms by register

Formal

principal head leader commander director

Informal

boss top dog main man number one

Literary

chieftain patriarch foremost

Antonyms

subordinate minor secondary junior assistant underling follower

Common collocations

  • chief executive officer
  • chief of staff
  • chief reason
  • chief concern
  • chief justice
  • chief engineer
  • chief complaint
  • chief operating officer

Word family

noun chiefdom
adjective chief

Usage note

Chief is often used as an adjective meaning 'most important' or 'principal', as in 'chief reason'. It can also be used as a noun referring to a leader or head of a group.

Example sentences

  1. The chief of the fire department arrived at the scene.
  2. The chief engineer designed the bridge.
  3. The chief executive officer made the final decision.
  4. The chief justice presided over the court case.
  5. The chief of police was responsible for keeping the city safe.

Quotes

  • The chief aim of all government is to preserve the freedom of the citizen.
  • The chief obstacle to the progress of the human race is the human race.
  • The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only way you can make a man trustworthy is to trust him.

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