cardinal

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 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 See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal
Adjective
  • This addition sees another key member of the iconic D-Generation X (DX) faction contributing behind the scenes, joining Triple H, who heads main roster creative, Shawn Michaels, who is in charge of NXT creative, and Road Dogg, currently working as a co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Its main funders are the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW – and returning main partner ZDF Studios.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The primary exception is that every third update does require a reboot, that enables a fuller update that can get to the parts of your PC a hot patch might not reach.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • There are two primary types of retail pharmacies: chain pharmacies, which are operated by larger companies, and independent pharmacies, which are often locally owned.
    Lucas Dufalla, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The soda business grew in popularity in a predominant Mormon area, according to the New York Times, as the church prohibits drinks that are hot caffeinated like tea and coffee.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • While Putin’s predominant image in the outside world is that of a ruthless strongman, for domestic audiences the Kremlin has tried to soften this image.
    Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • But perhaps the most dominant aspect of the win came on the defensive end.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • Yet mainstream culture is no longer dominant there: The media outlets and public figures are now punch lines for the site’s main characters, Musk and his MAGA acolytes.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Mark Morgan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Cruise emerged as Hollywood's foremost advocate for the theatrical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters across the globe were staring down an uncertain future.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rob Enderle, principal analyst with advisory services firm Enderle Group, said the recent ruling applies to the U.S. and Apple wants to retain the rest of its control worldwide.
    Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • Black Sun is currently in development, with principal photography planned for the first half of 2026.
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Slaw Dog took home first place Slaw Dog took home first place.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Christian Walker dressed, dwelled and debriefed there for the first 49 games of his Astros tenure.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Crow-Armstrong had a big series against the Sox and seems to enjoy being a villain in the eyes of Sox fans for his chest-thumping, arm-waving celebrations.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Nikola Jokic is the biggest reason why the Nuggets are on the brink of a sizable upset.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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