as in main
coming before all others in importance
the cardinal rule of medicine: do no harm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
To secure such an outcome means breaking his cardinal rule.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
The Mutable Fire Sign Every sign is assigned a quality (cardinal, mutable, or fixed), which explains the sign's basic energy.
—Maressa Brown, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
While training at the FBI Academy at Quantico, I was required to learn and follow the cardinal safety rules, which include (1) treating all firearms as loaded, (2) keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction and (3) keeping one’s finger off the trigger until one is ready to press it.
—Luke William Hunt, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2026
However, it was revealed Ruff broke a cardinal rule, playing or simulating a game more than once, and was deposed as commissioner, though there is some disagreement about what exactly happened.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
The Mutable Fire Sign Every sign is assigned a quality (cardinal, mutable, or fixed), which explains the sign's basic energy.
—Maressa Brown, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
While training at the FBI Academy at Quantico, I was required to learn and follow the cardinal safety rules, which include (1) treating all firearms as loaded, (2) keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction and (3) keeping one’s finger off the trigger until one is ready to press it.
—Luke William Hunt, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2026
However, it was revealed Ruff broke a cardinal rule, playing or simulating a game more than once, and was deposed as commissioner, though there is some disagreement about what exactly happened.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal
Adjective
-
Demonstrators flocked to protests around the country to march, stand in crowds or line main streets.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Sirens alerted people to seek shelter in and around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer Sheba and areas near the country’s main nuclear research center, which were targeted by Iranian strikes that injured dozens last weekend.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The primary retreat anchors dual bathrooms, a private salon and an oversized dressing room.—
Sandra Barrera,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
-
But the May 5 Democratic primary election, which pits a progressive newcomer and a longtime political gadfly against an incumbent with strong ties to Indy Democrats, could act as a proxy for voters' feelings about the party establishment.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Television continues to be the predominant medium in India, reaching approximately 745 million individuals weekly.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Dark green is the predominant color in this manicure even though a black shade serves as the base.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat’s defense was especially dominant at the start, limiting the Cavaliers to just 19 points in the first quarter.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Netflix does a lot of things exceedingly well, hence its dominant position in the marketplace, but the tech company and industry disruptor doesn’t really do tradition.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The meeting has been positioned as a critical opportunity for both sides to reset the relationship between the world’s two foremost economic and military powers.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
-
When unfunded entitlements in Social Security, Medicare, and other long-term obligations are factored in, the true fiscal gap approaches $100 trillion — a figure consistent with analysis from Penn Wharton Budget Model director Kent Smetters, one of America’s foremost fiscal economists.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Indeed, this mismatch was the principal reason even conservative states like Kansas authorized trans people to update their birth certificates and drivers’ licenses.—
Darren Rosenblum,
Mercury News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The firm has been a principal financial backer of Miami Worldcenter, a massive mixed-use project occupying 10 blocks north of downtown that is now nearing completion after years of development.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That's one of the biggest concerns for individuals who live in this area.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The rooms The rooms can best be described as minimalist but memorable, with a big emphasis on mood lighting, earth-toned velvet furniture, and photo-worthy vanity areas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Along with margins not in the speaker’s favor, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), who helped do much of the heavy lifting during the first reconciliation process, publicly expressed doubt that another reconciliation bill can be passed.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Still, comparing the first season of Hubert Davis to that of UNC head football coach Bill Belichick is like comparing the NFL rookie years of Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
