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
  • National Institutes of Health announced that the agency, along with researchers from the University of Florida, would begin clinical trials on mitragynine, the primary psychoactive compound in kratom, to evaluate its potential as a treatment for opioid use disorder.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Furthermore, buildings must now identify backup service providers to ensure repairs can be made even if primary companies are unavailable or out of business.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 19 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
  • Clark was at the center of Indiana’s dominant outing, as the two-time All-Star delivered a variety of highlight-reel passes to lead the Fever to their fourth straight win and first victory over the Tempo, who are in their inaugural season.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The lofty valuation for the company that has become dominant in satellites through its Starlink service and reusable rockets has raised questions about its ambitious growth plans.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gifford, who never attended college, eventually sold those buildings and became the city’s foremost expert on the repair and maintenance of boilers, writing a 571-page textbook on building science.
    Jesse Armas, Curbed, 16 June 2026
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Kevin Brady, Forbes.com, 12 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
  • But the biggest milestone of the night was Clark reclaiming the top spot on the WNBA assists leaderboard.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • Kyle wanting to party for the New York marathon (not an excuse to party, but whatevs) and Amanda wants to snuggle on the couch, getting stoned and watching Interior Motives clips on the big TV.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Located in central downtown, close to White River State Park, Military Park, and the wildly underrated Eiteljorg Museum, the JW Marriott is the perfect place to explore Indy for the first time.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • On Friday, Solari will get to see his first World Cup match in person when Haiti takes on Brazil in South Philadelphia.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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