NYT Dictionary

CHIEFLY

/ˈtʃiːf.li/
AdverbAdjectiveCHIEF-lychief-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2022, 2024

Meaning

Especially or primarily; above all.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English chefly; equivalent to chief + -ly (adverbial suffix).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

first and foremostby and largeparticularlyfor the most partlargelyprincipallyprimarilymainlyabovealtogether

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram:

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