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

Kilmer reminds us of the internet’s cardinal rule: “If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Before Robby and Al-Hashimi engage in any real ideological tussles, though, she commits the cardinal sin of suggesting they change the trauma center’s nickname to something else.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 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

I don’t do colors so my cardinal is a female.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

Vocabulary lists containing cardinal

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Name On: Pro Sports Team Names, Part 1

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Out of My Mind

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