CARDINAL Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'cardinal' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cardinal are essential , fundamental , and vital . While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. // a cardinal rule in buying a home

Q: Where would 'essential' be a reasonable alternative to 'cardinal'?

The meanings of essential and cardinal largely overlap; however, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. // conflict is essential in drama

Q: When could 'fundamental' be used to replace 'cardinal'?

The words fundamental and cardinal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. // fundamental principles of algebra

Q: When is 'vital' a more appropriate choice than 'cardinal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to cardinal , vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. // cut off from vital supplies

cardinal

adjective

Definition of cardinal next

as in main

coming before all others in importance the cardinal rule of medicine: do no harm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cardinal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cardinal are essential, fundamental, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Where would essential be a reasonable alternative to cardinal?

The meanings of essential and cardinal largely overlap; however, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

When could fundamental be used to replace cardinal?

The words fundamental and cardinal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When is vital a more appropriate choice than cardinal?

While in some cases nearly identical to cardinal, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cardinal The whimsical color palette for Pastoral offers hues like baby blue and candy pink paired with chocolate brown and midnight black, while Royale goes for energetic tones of sorbet, lime, and cardinal red. —

Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024 Libra is the cardinal air sign, and sometimes the wind must blow! —

Jennifer Culp, Them, 18 Sep. 2024 As a cardinal sign, the first in their family of signs, Cancers embody the essence of the water element. —

Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024 Burned Haystack has 10 cardinal rules designed to fundamentally alter your approach to the apps. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cardinal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal

Adjective

Drivers should try to travel during the day and avoid traveling alone, inform others of your schedule, and stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
The concert at the country’s main public square settled a pending debt with his Mexican fans, after postponing a presentation originally scheduled for September due to a domestic accident that resulted in five fractured ribs and forced him to suspend a series of shows in Mexico and Colombia.

— Natalia Cano, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2025