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.

Freedom of circulation is a cardinal principle of maritime law.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Colby reportedly gave the cardinal a dressing down.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

So I asked the cardinal to thank the Holy Father for his confidence in me and to assure him that I would do the job with all my heart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 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

One of Frenchy’s cardinal rules of reducing was to “keep the contents of the bowels moving down and out steadily and regularly.”

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing cardinal

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