as in star
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
my cousin is one of the principals in a new sitcom this fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
our principal reason for coming here today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the principal researcher in the company's chemical division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of principal
Eric Adler
june 18,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Her performance as the eccentric and self-obsessed school principal has earned James a 2026 Critics Choice Award for best supporting actress in a comedy series, as well as four Emmy nominations and nods at the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards and Gotham Awards.
—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
18 June 2026
Both Nupen Patel and Bhara Patel are among the principal members of the ownership group for the Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport in Oakland, which has been shoved into receivership due to a delinquent $31 million loan, Alameda County documents show.
—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for principal
Noun
Kansas City developer Vince Bryant, a principal with 3D Development, the force behind Pennway Point, originally said the project might be finished as early as 2023.
—
Eric Adler
june 18,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Her performance as the eccentric and self-obsessed school principal has earned James a 2026 Critics Choice Award for best supporting actress in a comedy series, as well as four Emmy nominations and nods at the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards and Gotham Awards.
—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Adjective
The property also has been listed as the principal place of business for two active LLCs Kiffin owns.
—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
18 June 2026
Both Nupen Patel and Bhara Patel are among the principal members of the ownership group for the Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport in Oakland, which has been shoved into receivership due to a delinquent $31 million loan, Alameda County documents show.
—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
-
The federation has been successful in luring top names like Hakimi, 2026 UEFA Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, but not with others like Spanish star Laime Yamal, who chose to represent the country of his birth.
-
Check out the incredible highlights from AJ Dybantsa’s freshman season that have the BYU star poised to compete for the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Adjective
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The fact that every single main cast member is on the ballot suggests that HBO made sure all main cast members were submitted and then allowed recurring performers to submit themselves.
-
However, that change requires the Green Mountain Care Board, the state's main healthcare regulator, to go through a rulemaking process, which would not be finalized by the start of the coming hospital fiscal year in October, delaying the pricing reform implementation.
Adjective
-
He's partnered with Ridge (the maker of high-tech wallets, power banks and phone cases), serving as its chief creative partner and releasing a brand collection of chargers, suitcases and keychains.
-
Former South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigator Ryan Kelly was fired from his position as chief inspector for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office on June 8, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Adjective
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National Institutes of Health announced that the agency, along with researchers from the University of Florida, would begin clinical trials on mitragynine, the primary psychoactive compound in kratom, to evaluate its potential as a treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Furthermore, buildings must now identify backup service providers to ensure repairs can be made even if primary companies are unavailable or out of business.
Adjective
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This decision was made with the best interests of our students and families as the foremost priority, ensuring that Chartiers Valley students continue to receive safe, reliable, and consistent transportation to and from school.
-
Kuperwasser, who served in the Israeli military for 35 years, believes that Hezbollah’s foremost goal is to return to the south along with the civilian population, a possibility repeatedly ruled out by Israel’s high command.
Adjective
-
American resumes flights American Airlines, the predominant carrier at Miami International Airport, resumed its service to Venezuela between Miami and Caracas in late April after a multi-year hiatus.
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During the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, Busch was honored on the 18th lap of the race, 18 being the predominant number on his stock car.
Adjective
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Or perhaps the Black policemen, who often watched the house without their white commanding officer, secretly sympathized with the uprising.
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Moments after the Knicks completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4 — erasing a 29-point deficit to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs — Stiller burst through the postgame interview room doors like the Kool-Aid Man.
Adjective
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Brazil cruised past Scotland in a dominant victory in Miami.
-
Without registering a goal or an assist, Pedri has been the best passer in a Spain midfield unit that has looked secure and dominant with the ball, albeit against two far less talented opponents.
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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