Synonyms of cardinal

cardinal

adjective

as in main

coming before all others in importance

the cardinal rule of medicine: do no harm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• main
• greatest
• highest
• primary
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• principal
• first
• big
• chief
• central
• key
• supreme
• leading
• sovereign
• paramount
• overriding
• great
• premier
• primal
• master
• prior
• capital
• grand
• major
• number one
• distinguished
• sovran
• overbearing
• preeminent
• top
• eminent
• outstanding
• overmastering
• senior
• No. 1
• arch
• illustrious
• notable
• numero uno
• star
• noteworthy
• important
• signal
• stellar
• high-level
• prestigious
• superior
• noble
• influential
• momentous
• mighty
• famous
• incomparable
• unequalled
• significant
• celebrated
• renowned
• unequaled
• unparalleled
• famed
• matchless
• unsurpassed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• trivial
• unimportant
• insignificant
• secondary
• negligible
• slight
• subordinate
• collateral
• inferior
• inconsequential
• trifling
• inconsiderable
• subsidiary

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

Recent Examples of cardinal

Read More: Pope Francis’ Greatest Achievement Was Emphasizing Mercy With Francis’ death on Monday, at age 88, up to 135 eligible cardinal electors will decide on his successor. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

If the pontiff does not respond, a certificate of death is authorized and the cardinal vicar for the Diocese of Rome is notified. —David Chiu, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Who is Pietro Parolin? Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian, worked closely with Pope Francis and served as his cardinal secretary of state. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Brian Tyree Henry confessed to breaking his own cardinal rule of not returning to television in order to star in Apple TV+’s crime drama Dope Thief. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing cardinal

• cardinal virtue

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