CARDINAL VIRTUE Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

cardinal virtue

noun

Definition of cardinal virtue

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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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

Noun

For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Morgan Suarez kicked a 46-yard field goal eight minutes later and added one from 32 yards to start the second quarter for a 13-0 advantage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

But the assumption that happiness and virtue should be systematically balanced is implied in every moral critique.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Also, in producing more original films, which push the envelope on narrative or visuals, filmmakers are making a virtue out of a market necessity.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

The two payment apps together account for nearly 85% of UPI transactions by value and 81% by volume, as per a report by Indian brokerage Ambit Capital.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
The expert questioned the practical value of effectively unlimited onboard electricity.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

On its own merits, Fudd had a good rookie year that had an unfortunate turn.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
The bottom line Savers who want to protect their $50,000 through today's market instability and further over the next three years should seriously consider the merits a 3-year CD offers now.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of merit

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“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cardinal virtue

noun

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