cardinal

Definition of cardinalnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cardinal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cardinal are essential, fundamental, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Where would essential be a reasonable alternative to cardinal?

The meanings of essential and cardinal largely overlap; however, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

When could fundamental be used to replace cardinal?

The words fundamental and cardinal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When is vital a more appropriate choice than cardinal?

While in some cases nearly identical to cardinal, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

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 Stefani and business partner chef Art Smith were selected for a Vatican restaurant project when Pope Leo was still cardinal. CBS News, 8 May 2026 Francis also invited the female Anglican bishop, Jo Bailey Wells, into a private meeting of his cardinal advisers in 2024 to discuss the role of women in the Catholic Church. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 One in five Catholics today are African yet Africa still holds only around 10% of the cardinal seats of power at the Vatican. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Four causeways in the cardinal directions connect the mainland to a central plaza, which contains two sacrificial temples. Big Think, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal
Adjective
  • The fact that every single main cast member is on the ballot suggests that HBO made sure all main cast members were submitted and then allowed recurring performers to submit themselves.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
  • However, that change requires the Green Mountain Care Board, the state's main healthcare regulator, to go through a rulemaking process, which would not be finalized by the start of the coming hospital fiscal year in October, delaying the pricing reform implementation.
    OLIVIA GIEGER VTDigger, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • LondonReuters — King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the central London landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Who enforces Assembly Bill 660 The primary responsibility for enforcing Assembly Bill 660, an amendment to the California Retail Food Code, falls on local enforcement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Public Health said.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • American resumes flights American Airlines, the predominant carrier at Miami International Airport, resumed its service to Venezuela between Miami and Caracas in late April after a multi-year hiatus.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
  • During the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, Busch was honored on the 18th lap of the race, 18 being the predominant number on his stock car.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Brazil cruised past Scotland in a dominant victory in Miami.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Without registering a goal or an assist, Pedri has been the best passer in a Spain midfield unit that has looked secure and dominant with the ball, albeit against two far less talented opponents.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • This decision was made with the best interests of our students and families as the foremost priority, ensuring that Chartiers Valley students continue to receive safe, reliable, and consistent transportation to and from school.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Kuperwasser, who served in the Israeli military for 35 years, believes that Hezbollah’s foremost goal is to return to the south along with the civilian population, a possibility repeatedly ruled out by Israel’s high command.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bold Primary Colors Bold primary colors feel too one-dimensional and visually chaotic for interiors in 2026, says Sabah Mansoor, founder and principal designer of Sabah Mansoor Design.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 21 June 2026
  • Among other things, those nonprofits and shell corporations who do not disclose their donors should be required to do so and ads and campaign literature should be required to disclose the names of the principal donors behind the entities purportedly sponsoring them.
    Richard J. Davis, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The collaboration pairs one of the most recognizable music artists of the last decade with a menu item designed to bring back familiar memories from Fetty Wap’s biggest era, while also celebrating his influence on pop culture and music.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • That quiet recovery is a big reason the procedure has moved from a private secret to something people openly mention.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Giants second baseman Luis Arraez left Tuesday night’s game against the Athletics after fouling a ball off his right foot in the bottom of the first inning and is questionable for Wednesday night’s matchup.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Karaban earned first-team All-Big East Conference honors as a senior this season.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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