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 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 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 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
  • 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
  • It is expected to become one of NATO Europe’s principal long-range air defense assets.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026
  • Set and filmed in Malta, the project will utilise the island as its principal production base.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cardinal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster