cardinal virtue

noun

Definition of cardinal virtuenext
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth the cardinal virtue of wool is that it retains its insulating properties even when wet

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Example 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 virtue Tolerance became the cardinal virtue of modern liberalism, but tolerance cannot sustain a civilization. — Carolyn McKinney, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 Courage, self-discipline, and AI The other two cardinal virtues (there are four in all) are courage and self-discipline. — Andrew Abela, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Aquinas also noted that each of these four cardinal virtues had several smaller virtues associated with them. — Andrew Abela, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 Doubt is a cardinal virtue in the sciences, which advance through skeptics’ willingness to question the experts. — Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal virtue
  1. advantage
  2. distinction
  3. virtue
  4. value
  5. merit
Noun
  • Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the quarterback advantage, and the extra preparation strengthens their case.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • But there is an important distinction between reporting a tragedy and allowing that tragedy to define an entire industry.
    — Dennis Speigel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • That distinction could make the approach relevant to weapons already in the Army’s inventory.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • War is above all, in their eyes, the occasion to demonstrate the most noble human virtues…energy, ​self-​mastery, sacrifice to a cause that is greater than oneself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Its practical value will depend on whether the systems can consistently handle varied components, operate at useful production speeds, and work reliably within existing factory infrastructure.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • This translates into infinitely many families of identities, one for every value of a.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • The two parties were in Canyon County court Thursday afternoon for a hearing on the proper venue for the case going forward, and to argue over the merits of an injunction — a more durable ruling to halt the ads.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Udvare, in an earlier presentation on the budget, noted that the town could give employees a lump sum or award merit raises rather than an across-the-board increase.
    — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of merit

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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