principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
Synonyms of principlednext
: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle
often used in combination

Examples of principled in a Sentence

She took a principled stand on funding public education. a high-principled art expert who always told clients what he honestly thought their items were worth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China’s rapport with the United States and its allies has thus evolved from pragmatic engagement to principled divergence. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Their mini-quests provide a bit of decent action here and there, as well as plenty of principled banter between a blinkered optimist (Lucy) and jaded doomsayer (Ghoul). Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2025 That one colossal misjudgment undermines our belief in Ella’s principled intelligence. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Dec. 2025 Pursuing the claim was a necessary and principled step to protect that right, as well as my career and livelihood. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for principled

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of principled was in 1635

Cite this Entry

“Principled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/principled. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

principled

adjective
prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
: based on or marked by principle
high-principled
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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