Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

cardinal

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of cardinal

coming before all others in importance

  • the cardinal rule of medicine: do no harm
Synonyms of cardinal

arch, big, capital, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
Words Related to cardinal

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior

high-level, senior, top

important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant

incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed

celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
Near Antonyms of cardinal

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant

collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary
Antonyms of cardinal

last, least

Synonym Discussion of cardinal

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. 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
fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.
    • fundamental principles of algebra
vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.
    • cut off from vital supplies
cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.
    • a cardinal rule in buying a home

Learn More about cardinal

  1. Dictionary: Definition of cardinal Spanish Central: Translation of cardinal Nglish: Translation of cardinal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cardinal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cardinal

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cardinal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games