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.

The lineup included Trump allies and administration figures alongside influential evangelical and Catholic leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former HHS Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, pastor Paula White and former Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

They also share daughter Raddix, 6, and son Cardinal, 2, whom they welcomed via surrogacy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Cardinal Health shares tumbled Thursday after a mixed quarterly earnings report.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

For its three months ended March 31, Cardinal Health posted a profit of $399 million, or $1.69 a share, down from $506 million, or $2.10 a share, a year earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

I gave no reply, and Mr Cardinal went on gazing emptily at the floor.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vocabulary lists containing cardinal

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Name On: Pro Sports Team Names, Part 1

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Out of My Mind

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