1
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group
a police sting that nabbed several kingpins of the city's drug trade
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in leader
the person (as an employer or supervisor) who tells people and especially workers what to do
finally nailed the mob kingpin who had been controlling all the gambling rackets in the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kingpin
But when two men on his ship go missing, the Buckleys are drawn into a deadly rivalry between two drug kingpins: the Parker family and notorious smuggler Grady (Topher Grace).
—
Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 June 2025
Riley did not contest his removal from the U.S. but said he should not be returned to Jamaica under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), citing concerns he could be killed by a drug kingpin if he were sent back to Jamaica.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Smuggling opium at the whim of a mercurial drug kingpin (Topher Grace).
—Max Gao, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Fight Night became a way to explore the soul of that shift — through hustlers and preachers, cops and kingpins, veterans and dreamers.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for kingpin
Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 June 2025
Riley did not contest his removal from the U.S. but said he should not be returned to Jamaica under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), citing concerns he could be killed by a drug kingpin if he were sent back to Jamaica.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Smuggling opium at the whim of a mercurial drug kingpin (Topher Grace).
—Max Gao, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Fight Night became a way to explore the soul of that shift — through hustlers and preachers, cops and kingpins, veterans and dreamers.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for kingpin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kingpin
Noun
-
Nigel Farage, the leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, slammed the Conservative and Labour parties after it was revealed this week thousands of Afghan refugees were secretly resettled into the country without the public's knowledge.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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When speed and urgency matter, leaders and teams need solutions that reduce noise and enhance focus.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
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First question first: Is Usyk the GOAT of the heavies?—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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And if that timeliness doesn't impress you, maybe Cap wrecking a bunch of heavies in an elevator will.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Leaders must invest in authentic connections with their peers, teams, bosses, mentors and other key stakeholders.—
Maureen Metcalf,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Ross poured praise on his former boss's tariff plans, but said that the main challenge now will be reaching a fully fledged and durable agreement with China, and securing a trade deal with the European Union.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
With all three now (seemingly) gone, the C’s are left with a collection of bigs that might be the least impressive in the NBA: Neemias Queta, newcomer Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman and second-round draft pick Amari Williams.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
15 July 2025
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The goal is to get Ethan’s bat to the bigs, ready to create middle-of-the-order impact.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Alvarado, 38, is now a citizen and a foreman in charge of about 50 workers who plant and pick tomatoes in Yolo County.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
17 July 2025
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On Wednesday, rebuilder and Hutto resident Marc Corinth paused his professional work to volunteer as foreman over two neighboring RV park properties in Georgetown that wer decimated in Saturday’s flood.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Effectively Building Brand Recognition with Purpose and Preparation Diane Primo, CEO, marketing magnate, and communication innovator, served as the keynote speaker.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 June 2025
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Hefty Payroll Money is no object to Mets owner Steve Cohen, who made a fortune as a hedge fund magnate before buying the ballclub five years ago.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Moore connected with Fiorito, then an Arizona State University master of fine arts student, in 2004.—
Laura Gersony,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
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Prior to running The Pitt's emergency department like a pro, the master was just a med student on ER.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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The Phoenician Scheme follows wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) who is on the run and wanted by myriad governments, the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
18 July 2025
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Meanwhile, The Daily Planet gets acquired by tycoon David Warfield (Sam Wanamaker), who fires Perry White and appoints his daughter Lacy (Mariel Hemingway) as the new editor.—
Will Harris,
EW.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kingpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kingpin. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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