on principle
idiom
: because of one's beliefs
She refused on principle to give toy guns to the children.
Examples of on principle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some of the girls were hired as servants in the homes of higher-status Burghers, though Rustin refused on principle to consider it.
—
George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Democrats and independents leaned toward compromise, while Republicans leaned toward standing on principle.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Though egg salad is simple on principle, there are still decidedly good ones, bad ones, and heavenly ones.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Others feel conflicted, caught between wanting to stand on principle and wanting to support a Black woman who has worked tirelessly for her seat at the table.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on principle
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George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Democrats and independents leaned toward compromise, while Republicans leaned toward standing on principle.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Though egg salad is simple on principle, there are still decidedly good ones, bad ones, and heavenly ones.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Others feel conflicted, caught between wanting to stand on principle and wanting to support a Black woman who has worked tirelessly for her seat at the table.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on principle
Cite this Entry
“On principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20principle. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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