in principle

phrase

: with respect to fundamentals

They accepted the offer in principle.

Examples of in principle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The deal, agreed in principle in September, would replace a program frozen after billions of dollars in unreported government debt emerged in 2024. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

If a blood test could reliably detect amyloid, then a person with no memory problems could, in principle, have a needle stick and emerge with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Over the past two years, Underdog has purchased control of both the men’s and women’s Napoli Basket clubs, struck a deal in principle for the city’s volleyball teams and held other conversations around motorsports, rugby, water polo and real estate. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Staving off a battle over control of homeless services, Los Angeles County has agreed in principle to let the city of Los Angeles control who gets placed in city shelters and housing. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in principle

• principal