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

Pope Francis elevated him to be a cardinal Prevost's papal election is a full-circle moment, as the former pope himself elected him to be a cardinal a few years earlier. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 May 2025

The cardinal electors will resume voting on Thursday morning. —Sarah Ventre, NPR, 7 May 2025

Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday evening local time after white smoke had billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signifying the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Here is a regional breakdown of the full 135 cardinal electors, according to Vatican statistics and following the Vatican's geographic grouping. —Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Phrases Containing cardinal

• cardinal virtue

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