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
  • In the women's division, UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey had a landmark run, holding the Raw Women's Championship and co-headlining the first all-female WrestleMania main event.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • The 18th Street gang has around 30,000 to 50,000 members, with its main source of income being distribution of cocaine and marijuana.
    Sophia Compton , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Your calendar is your primary tool to navigate this demanding environment.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Similarly, authorized users (those who aren’t the primary cardholder but are still allowed to make charges on the card) will lose complimentary lounge access.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The June 10 vote by the nation’s largest Protestant denomination represents a doubling down on issues of gender and sexuality as the predominant group of evangelical Christians signals the SBC’s hopes of replicating the successful campaign to overturn Roe v. Wade.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 12 June 2025
  • The predominant toxin associated with FHB infections in the United States is deoxynivalenol (DON), which is also known as vomitoxin because consumption can cause vomiting.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yang said the hybrid ants have become the explorers and front guard for the fire ant invasion into colder and more northerly areas, becoming the dominant fire ant species in the upper elevations of Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
    Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • The past two years made clear that Israel, with U.S. help, is the dominant military force.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Sindhu Bhaskar, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Lindell was one of the foremost conspiracy theorists in pushing claims that the election was stolen from Donald Trump.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Case Western Reserve/Cleveland Play House CLEVELAND The MFA program works closely with the professional Cleveland Play House, offering all students principal roles there and giving them admission into Actors’ Equity.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
  • Clearly, Desert Storm represents a successful example of using airpower as the principal instrument of war, with ground forces in a supporting role.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lake was among Luminate’s top five CCM artists in the first half of 2024, and his star has only risen since then.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 June 2025
  • This is such a pivotal New York City song that Lorne Michaels asked Simon to sing it on the first SNL after 9/11.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • His commitment gives Michigan its biggest recruiting win of the summer so far and another head-to-head victory against the Crimson Tide, the program Michigan beat in bowl games the past two years.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 24 June 2025
  • Seeing Fleetwood miss that putt, Bradley stepped up to his ball for the win and sunk it, letting out a big cheer along with the many in the crowd.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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