cardinal

adjective

Definition of cardinalnext
as in main
coming before all others in importance the cardinal rule of medicine: do no harm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 First as cardinal and then as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI worked to heal the SSPX schism and bring the group back under Rome’s wing. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 The couple followed a cardinal rule of investing. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026 In our guide to caring for hydrangeas, our Editors list pruning with care as the cardinal rule in hydrangea maintenance. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 Newport’s cardinal rule is to position the tallest item on the left side of the room whenever possible. — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal
  1. main
  2. primary
  3. predominant
  4. dominant
  5. foremost
  6. principal
  7. big
  8. first
Adjective
  • Also, the arena operates with one main kitchen; the hope is to have kitchens on all three levels to enhance fans’ concession experience.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Tourism – the island’s main economic lifeline – was down 58% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the year before.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Because, as a one-off measure, FIFA would not have been the primary beneficiary.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Detectives identified Stevenson Tuimavave as the primary suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest and a search of his home, police said.
    — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • While summer is still the predominant season, the average acreage burned in winter, spring and fall have all increased too, according to the analysis.
    — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Repeated, large fires have caused a decline in the predominant species of conifers, the black spruce, shifting what vegetation regrows.
    — Joshua Partlow, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Definition of predominant
Adjective
  • Here was a team that played a beautiful, dominant style of soccer that enthralled the world and stymied opponents on its way to the World Cup final.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Tarik Skubal pitched seven dominant innings, Spencer Torkelson homered twice and drove in four runs, and the Detroit Tigers cruised to a 7-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Definition of dominant
Adjective
  • The executions have drawn attention to the ageing death-row population in the US, as well as Florida’s status as the foremost death penalty state.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 16 July 2026
  • Among the most significant was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision Paris, one of the world’s foremost textile and fashion sourcing platforms.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • Billionaire software entrepreneur Joe Liemandt of Austin, Texas, is the principal investor behind Alpha.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • The building is owned by a group controlled by Nazare Capital Management, whose principal executive and founder is Adam Neumann, co-founder of WeWork.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of principal
Adjective
  • In addition to its ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, the Heat also would like to add another veteran shooter and another veteran big man but might begin the season with only 14 under contract.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Flair then turned her attention to Cargill and hit a big boot, forcing the disqualification.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of big
Adjective
  • Monday’s victory for the Braves was just their second in the last 11 games against the Padres and the first of this season after being swept in San Diego in June.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
  • Gen might have gotten away scot-free from the sheets incident in terms of optics — no one questions her involvement, even though her job description includes housekeeping — but karma hounds her during the first day of the charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
Definition of first

Phrases Containing cardinal

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carded
cardinal
cardinal virtue
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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cardinal

Nglish: Translation of cardinal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cardinal

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