cardinal

[kahr-dn-l] / ˈkɑr dn l /

ADJECTIVE

important, key

Synonyms

STRONGEST

overriding

STRONG

basic central chief essential first fundamental leading main primary prime principal ruling

WEAK

basal bottom-line constitutive foremost greatest highest indispensable overruling paramount pivotal preeminent vital

Antonyms

STRONG

additional auxiliary extra inessential inferior last least minor nonessential outside peripheral secondary subordinate trivial unimportant unnecessary

WEAK

insignificant negligible

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's a great joy, but also a great responsibility," the cardinal said on Saturday after the visit was confirmed.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Both the Pentagon and the Vatican denied a report, published in the Free Press last week, that the meeting was tense, with Colby lecturing the cardinal on U.S. military power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Colby reportedly gave the cardinal a dressing down.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

He was named head of the church in New York by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, who later made him cardinal.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

He said he always blamed them because he knew they could have been the thing that made the cardinal last if they’d only let it in like he’d asked them to.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

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