cardinal virtue

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 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 Breaching tennis’ cardinal virtues of self-sufficiency and autonomy, the coach begins by telling this emotional woman to calm down. Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 11 Apr. 2018 Dialogue is one of their cardinal virtues, and most seemed determined to give Trump a hearing. Time, 25 Jan. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cardinal virtue
Noun
  • Even as Liverpool have spluttered and stuttered, Mikel Arteta’s side have doggedly refused to take advantage, declining to ignite the thing as a contest.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With his first career homer, Wilson earned the distinction of blasting the A’s first home run at Sutter Health Park, doing so in the March 31 home opener vs. the Seattle Mariners.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This effectively removes the distinction between mainstream and AI stacks.
    Dinesh Subhraveti, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Modern business culture is in a constant state of evolution, and what was once seen as a virtue can sometimes be misinterpreted as a vice.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Rather, the influencers who extol offal’s virtues seem to do so on the basis of its nutrient density.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Wier initially didn’t receive credit for her connection series in the routine, lowering the start value.
    Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • No matter the event, the value always comes back to the relationships between the members and the emphasis on uncovering the value of a holistic approach to ambition and a life well lived.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will consider the merits of that case in coming weeks.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
  • There’s merit in giving bare results context, provided junior players blossom regardless.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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