principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld 

-sə-bəld

: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle

—often used in combination

Synonyms of principled

• honorable
• ethical
• honest
• respectable

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

That tension — broad adoption alongside persistent, principled caution — is exactly what athenahealth’s AI on the Frontlines of Care research reflects. — Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Sadly, the science of monetary policy and other workhorses of monetary policy (The Phillips Curve), economic forecasting even appear to be unhelpful in Warsh's first principled approach. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Sanctions prevent principled firms from being undercut by opportunistic competitors. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2026

Whether viewed as principled adaptation or political opportunism, Graham repeatedly aligned himself toward the direction South Carolina, Southern and Republican politics were moving. — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for principled

• unprincipled

Kids Definition

principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld 

-sə-bəld

: based on or marked by principle

high-principled