Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for cardinal. Search instead for cardiovas.
Definitions

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.

Colby reportedly gave the cardinal a dressing down.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Another trip in the works is to Spain, with potential events in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, a Spanish cardinal said last month.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 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

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has called cap circumvention “a cardinal sin.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025

Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald