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 This even though Dippold broke one of the cardinal rules for selling a project to execs. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 18 June 2026 Capricorn The cardinal earth sign, symbolized by the Sea Goat, is ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries, restrictions, hard work, and commitment, which can translate to your kid being fairly serious, industrious, grounded, and driven even from a young age. Maressa Brown, Parents, 18 June 2026 Some of the resort offerings feel a little forced (or like an episode of White Lotus), especially the Haab dinner experience when locals dress up in traditional Maya garb and put on a performance to honor the four cardinal directions. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 We were immediately greeted by a resplendence of wildflowers, including purple-pink woolly bluecurls, bright orange southern bush monkey flower, red bursts of cardinal catchfly and at least one Catalina Mariposa lily. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal
Adjective
  • Because Swift has no docking ports or grappling fixtures to grab onto, Katalyst built its 880-pound, 5-foot tall LINK spacecraft with a custom robotic capture mechanism that will attach to a feature on the satellite’s main structure.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • One of the festival’s main attractions is the FIFA store, an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility on the east side of the grounds.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022, the most recent edition.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The capacity of the primary viewing area at the Washington Monument is set at about 150,000, according to Secret Service Special Agent in Charge David Yamen, who runs the agency's dignitary protective division.
    Maria Sullivan, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Matthew Harmon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, representing law enforcement, the predominant users of ALPRs in the area.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 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
  • The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The principal grape varieties in this region are Plavac Mali (red) and Pošip (white).
    Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • Preserving slave ownership, along with resisting political overreach from Mexico City, were principal reasons that the Mexican state of Texas fought to break free of Mexico.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Meta, Oracle, Microsoft and other big tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of employees, while simultaneously investing billions in AI data centers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Also in attendance to celebrate the couple on their big day was Dunham's ex and Swift's longtime collaborator, Jack Antonoff, who was seen leaving for the event with his sister, Rachel Antonoff.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Kimpton also always gets a guide on the first day of a trip to show her the sights.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • That came in the spring of 2025, about 11 months after his dad had been sacked as coach, when Pochettino, the new manager, gave the younger Berhalter his first national team call-up.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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