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
The change comes from a combination of boycotting U.S. travel based on principle and also going where their Canadian dollar goes further.
—
Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
However, others have sided with her decision based on principle.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Some have learned to surrender to unrealistic demands when their consciences scream for acting on principle.
—Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
In such situations, when a client has the resources and the inclination to go round after round, small municipalities have to decide whether to settle or stand on principle, draining their budget.
—Andrew Rice, Curbed, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for on principle
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Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
However, others have sided with her decision based on principle.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Some have learned to surrender to unrealistic demands when their consciences scream for acting on principle.
—Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
In such situations, when a client has the resources and the inclination to go round after round, small municipalities have to decide whether to settle or stand on principle, draining their budget.
—Andrew Rice, Curbed, 26 June 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 19 Aug. 2025.
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