Cheilolejeunea is one of the largest genera of Lejeuneaceae and is widely distributed intropical and subtropical regions. We present an improved and updated taxonomic synthesis of thegenus in Tropical America. Fifty-four species and six varieties are recognized, in seven sections; thenumber of accepted neotropical species is reduced about 20 percent. A key to neotropical taxa ofCheilolejeunea is provided and each species and variety is briefly described with data on differentiatingcharacters, distribution and published illustrations. Sixteen new synonyms and two newlectotypifications are proposed; new names are: C. sect. Trachylejeunea (Spruce) C.J.Bastos &Gradst. comb. nov., C. aneogyna var. riparia (Steph.) C.J.Bastos & Gradst. comb. nov., C. lobulata(Lindenb.) Gradst. & C.J.Bastos comb. nov., C. rigidula var. autoica C.J.Bastos & Gradst. var. nov.,C. timboensis C.J.Bastos & Gradst. sp. nov., C. trifaria var. clausa (Nees & Mont.) C.J.Bastos &Gradst. comb. nov.