cardinal virtue

noun

Definition of cardinal virtuenext
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth the cardinal virtue of wool is that it retains its insulating properties even when wet

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cardinal virtue Tolerance became the cardinal virtue of modern liberalism, but tolerance cannot sustain a civilization. — Carolyn McKinney, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 Courage, self-discipline, and AI The other two cardinal virtues (there are four in all) are courage and self-discipline. — Andrew Abela, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Aquinas also noted that each of these four cardinal virtues had several smaller virtues associated with them. — Andrew Abela, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 Doubt is a cardinal virtue in the sciences, which advance through skeptics’ willingness to question the experts. — Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal virtue
  1. advantage
  2. distinction
  3. virtue
  4. value
  5. merit
Noun
  • For the night, Orlando held a 24-3 advantage in offensive rebounding, which led to extra scoring chances.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Obviously, Republicans engaged in this rare mid-decade redistricting in an attempt to try to gain political advantage in the House.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • The robot’s withdrawal also prompted discussion about the distinction between demonstrating mobility and sustaining it under demanding conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The distinction matters because, under New York law, falsifying business records isn’t a felony unless it’s done with an intent to commit or conceal a separate crime.
    — Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • Its main virtues for gluten-free eaters are a dedicated fryer and incredibly good french fries—available as a stand-alone side or, even better, as part of steak frites.
    — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Our fashion choices say much about our values, identity, and aspirations.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Cesar-Nuñez, whose practice is based in Pasadena, noted that traditional Latino cultural values like emphasis on family and reputation can serve as deterrents for seeking therapy or other help.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • Sponsored by SoundMerch, the AMP lauds the outstanding Australian albums based on artistic merit rather than commercial sales.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026
  • While there are merits to creating two independent companies, the process will take a very long time, with the breakup not expected to be completed until the first half of 2028.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of merit

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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