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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

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

Jean-Paul Vesco, the Franco-Algerian cardinal of the Catholic Church who serves as the Archbishop of Algiers, wrote in a statement.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 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

There was a visiting cardinal in the glorious tasselled hat which still adorns the notepaper of Wolsey’s College at Oxford.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White