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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.

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

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

The cardinal wasn’t doing anything at all—just sitting on a twig, all fluffed up to keep himself warm.

From "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George