Synonyms for

Cardinals

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

Definition

Cardinals are a type of bird that belong to the family Cardinalidae. They are known for their bright red color and are found in North and South America.

Synonyms & similar words

cardinalnumber cardinalgrosbeak carmine cardinaliscardinalis redbird richmondenacardinalis cardinal redbirds Pyrrhuloxias firebirds flamebirds

Synonyms by register

Formal

principles fundamentals essentials basics

Informal

main points key things important bits the gist

Literary

cornerstones linchpins keystones

Antonyms

minor secondary unimportant peripheral auxiliary subordinate

Common collocations

  • cardinal numbers
  • cardinal directions
  • cardinal virtues
  • cardinal rule
  • cardinal sin
  • cardinal point
  • cardinal importance

Word family

noun cardinality
adjective cardinal

Usage note

The word 'cardinal' is often used as an adjective meaning of the greatest importance or fundamental. As a noun, it can refer to a high-ranking Catholic clergyman or a type of bird.

Example sentences

  1. The cardinal bird is known for its bright red feathers.
  2. My grandmother loves to watch the cardinals at her bird feeder.
  3. Cardinals are a common sight in many backyards.
  4. I heard the chirping of a cardinal in the trees.
  5. The cardinal is the state bird of seven US states.

Quotes

  • "I am a Cardinal; I am a Yankee. I am both. I am neither. I am simply Derek Jeter." - Derek Jeter
  • "I'm not a Cardinal. I'm not a Yankee. I'm a baseball player." - Mark McGwire
  • "Red, of course, is the color of the interior of our bodies. In a way it's inside out, red." - Anish Kapoor

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words