CARDINAL Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cardinal

adjective

Definition of cardinal next

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

Examples 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 Libra is the cardinal air sign, and sometimes the wind must blow! —

Jennifer Culp, Them, 18 Sep. 2024 As a cardinal sign, the first in their family of signs, Cancers embody the essence of the water element. —

Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024 Burned Haystack has 10 cardinal rules designed to fundamentally alter your approach to the apps. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024 Balancing these cardinal energies (also known as the initiators of the zodiac) can feel like we’re being pulled in multiple directions, as the pressure to make decisions or take action can feel overwhelming. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cardinal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal

Adjective

Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
The home's main entrance consists of double glass doors that open onto the living room.

Adam Williams, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024