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
While many are theoretically up for staging (though some balk at the expense and hassle), others object to the practice on principle, refusing to believe their fussy Victorian furnishings or eclectic art collection could be anything less than appealing.
—
Kim Velsey, Curbed, 1 Dec. 2025
And back in Paulding County, voters said regardless of political party, there's something to be said for standing on principle.
—Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
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
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Kim Velsey, Curbed, 1 Dec. 2025
And back in Paulding County, voters said regardless of political party, there's something to be said for standing on principle.
—Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
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
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 10 Dec. 2025.
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