cardinal virtue

as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth the cardinal virtue of wool is that it retains its insulating properties even when wet

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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 virtue Aquinas also noted that each of these four cardinal virtues had several smaller virtues associated with them. Andrew Abela, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 Doubt is a cardinal virtue in the sciences, which advance through skeptics’ willingness to question the experts. Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2020 Breaching tennis’ cardinal virtues of self-sufficiency and autonomy, the coach begins by telling this emotional woman to calm down. Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 11 Apr. 2018 Dialogue is one of their cardinal virtues, and most seemed determined to give Trump a hearing. Time, 25 Jan. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal virtue
Noun
  • No one method is absolutely right, and each has its value, which is why the advantage of betting markets is all of these factors get brought into play by those who place bets.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025
  • These early experiments illustrated one of geothermal’s key advantages: it can be used for both electricity and heating, which collectively account for around thirty-eight per cent of global climate emissions.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But recently, two experts have made a cogent distinction.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • With 273 career home runs and 916 RBIs, all those All-Star games and that World Series MVP distinction and five Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards, Perez has amassed the makings of a candidacy for the National Baseball Hall of Fame — where George Brett resides as the only primary Royal.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And people who’ve just moved into senior roles are particularly vulnerable to losing their virtues.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • To Iñárritu, Prieto’s greatest virtue is his flexibility, both stylistic and personal.
    Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Relative humidity values will drop to 12 to 18 percent with wind speeds 5 to 10 mph.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2025
  • These whiskies are outstanding and at less that $60, represent exceptional value.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But what kind of incident merits contacting support?
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Learning more about Abeille Royale’s merit gives me a new appreciation for my restorative spa experience a few months ago; that left me buzzing through the streets of Paris.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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