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

Her crime, she believes, is “the cardinal scientific sin of anthropomorphizing trees by using the metaphor of the mother tree.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Colby reportedly gave the cardinal a dressing down.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

It said the cardinal "distances himself from Monsignor Micheletti's statements and expresses his disappointment over what happened" and stated its "commitment to the protection of its artistic and spiritual heritage" against misuse or exploitation.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

And I had greeted one of our group by name, practically admitted a special relationship between us, when the cardinal rule of the underground was .

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing cardinal

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