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
In the bidding process, these kingpins are called anchors.
—
Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Brady, who took the fight on short notice following the birth of his daughter, flew into hostile territory and dominated Edwards in a way that no previous opponent had ever done, handing the former UFC kingpin the first stoppage loss of his MMA career, which began in 2011.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
While the venerable actor remains one of our greats, his toggling back and forth between playing New York mob kingpin Frank Costello and portraying gone-rogue former buddy Vito Genovese ultimately proves distracting and is wholly unnecessary.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
So how about De Niro playing not one but two Mafia kingpins in the same movie?
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kingpin
Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Brady, who took the fight on short notice following the birth of his daughter, flew into hostile territory and dominated Edwards in a way that no previous opponent had ever done, handing the former UFC kingpin the first stoppage loss of his MMA career, which began in 2011.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
While the venerable actor remains one of our greats, his toggling back and forth between playing New York mob kingpin Frank Costello and portraying gone-rogue former buddy Vito Genovese ultimately proves distracting and is wholly unnecessary.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
So how about De Niro playing not one but two Mafia kingpins in the same movie?
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kingpin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kingpin
Noun
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Because in this age of generative AI, leaders are creating versions of themselves that operate without them.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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After a server at a Pilsen restaurant was attacked, a community wants justice The footage of two women brutally attacking a server at Taco Azteca, a longtime Mexican restaurant in Pilsen, last weekend has left a neighborhood reeling, according to residents and local leaders.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Harry heads back to the yard, where a group of Kevin's Czechoslovakian hired heavies are preparing for war.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
13 Apr. 2025
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On Twin Peaks, Strong plays Jones, the right-hand woman for one of the series’ heavies.—
Drew Mackie,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There is no doubt that Müller gave everything, but in retrospect, the Bayern boss will have to answer the uncomfortable question of whether starting the 2014 World Cup winner was the right choice in the first place.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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For some reason, my boss has never questioned me or been suspicious of anything.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Auburn has reached its second national semifinal ever, off the strength of unanimous All-American big Johni Broome and the cadre of good shooters in his orbit.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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In sharp contrast to Chattanooga, the Anteaters are led by a duo of senior bigs, with 7-foot center Bent Leuchten leading the team with 15.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, pairing with senior forward Devin Tillis, who's averaged 13.5 points and 7.8 rebounds.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Shockley's attorneys sought a new trial over concerns that the foreman was biased against him.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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Doc diagnoses the Yellowstone foreman with a subdural hematoma.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The tech magnate’s swipe at Navarro comes after a report that indicated Trump told his inner circle that Musk will be stepping back from his role in the government in the coming weeks.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Apr. 2025
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From cable television magnates to fashion moguls to casino bosses, these billionaires have passed away since the 2024 Forbes list.—
Roy Canivel,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
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According to a press statement from the HBCU, graduates from the university’s 14 schools and colleges this year will be among the largest graduating classes in the institution’s history to receive bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Chris Helman tracks energy innovators and oil tycoons from Houston.—
Christopher Helman,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Nick, the son of shipping tycoon Massimo Marone (Joseph Mascolo), often was depicted as an adventurous and ambitious man who worked as a sea captain.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kingpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kingpin. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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