Synonyms for

Cardinal

Verb / ˈkɑ:rdʌnʌl / / ˈkɑ:rdɪnʌl / Another word for cardinal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A North American songbird with a crest on its head and a red plumage.

Synonyms & similar words

ordinal central fundamental cardinaliscardinalis richmondenacardinalis carmine redbird primal key cardinalgrosbeak cardinalnumber redbird firebird phoenix

Synonyms by register

Formal

principal paramount chief primary

Informal

main key big top

Literary

fundamental essential vital

Antonyms

minor secondary unimportant insignificant trivial peripheral

Common collocations

  • cardinal number
  • cardinal sin
  • cardinal rule
  • cardinal point
  • cardinal virtue
  • cardinal direction
  • cardinal importance

Word family

noun cardinality
adjective cardinal

Usage note

As an adjective, 'cardinal' means of the greatest importance or significance. It is often used in phrases like 'cardinal rule' or 'cardinal sin'.

Example sentences

  1. I saw a beautiful cardinal in my backyard today.
  2. The cardinal's red color is so vibrant!
  3. The cardinal's crest makes it easy to identify.
  4. The cardinal sang a beautiful song this morning.
  5. The cardinal is the state bird of Ohio.

Quotes

  • "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all." - Emily Dickinson
  • "The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." - Willie Nelson
  • "No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." - William Blake

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