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 It has often been said that cardinal electors would always shy away from choosing an American pope due to the outsized global political influence of the United States. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Another is going to tell something from the conclave of cardinal electors (essentially sworn to secrecy) who met in the Sistine Chapel to ... Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, 19 May 2025 In reviewing his record, the cardinal electors might have taken a number of factors into account. Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 9 May 2025 Parolin, 70, worked closely with Pope Francis and served as his cardinal secretary of state. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cardinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal
Adjective
  • Israel hit Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and struck the heart of its ballistic missile program, Netanyahu said.
    Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • Benicio Del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda in The Phoenician Scheme After playing character parts in The French Dispatch and Asteroid City, Del Toro shined as the kind of main character Wes Anderson only sometimes gives us (Ralph Fiennes’s Gustave from The Grand Budapest Hotel springs to mind).
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The dining room and kitchen lead to an expansive primary suite overlooking the backyard terrace.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Furthermore, Newmont has been selling non-core assets, generating substantial proceeds to bolster its primary operations and financial standing.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the predominant theme of the debate was Cuomo facing attacks from the eight other candidates, who laced into him on everything from public safety and education to affordable housing production and the ex-governor’s integrity.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • Apparently natural selection among the Uru, Aymara and Quechua peoples of the Bolivian Altiplano took DNA sequences that are present but rare in other populations around the world and increased their frequency to the point where the normally uncommon sequences are predominant in these groups.
    Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Signet, dominant in bridal jewelry, sees greater potential in the larger fashion segment.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • The opening two days and five games of the Club World Cup have witnessed a 10-goal thumping, a dominant performance from Europe’s champions, struggles for the best from the U.S., passionate fans on the streets and reasonable attendances in the stadiums.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The principal home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only an architectural marvel but also a favorite backdrop for period dramas.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Working with Miller at America First Legal was Gene Hamilton, the principal author of Trump’s controversial family-separation policy, according to a January 2021 Justice Department inspector general report.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
  • Adding to the shock factor of this particular comeback was how badly Indiana handled the ball in the first half.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Fever is coming off of a big 79-52 victory against the Chicago Sky, while the Dream is coming off of an 84-76 loss against the Connecticut Sun.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 June 2025
  • This insight reframes the risks of inaction for more than just Sequoia. With AI, the bigger risk is no longer moving too soon but failing to move at all, something which Skates grappled with in his own decision to time the move.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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