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.
Nothing beyond strong, principled leadership. Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Finding a principled billionaire is admittedly hard to come by. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Public policy decisions always need to strive for middle ground, and those leadership decisions often referred to as arrogant can just as easily be called principled leadership. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2026 People can accept tough news more easily when the process feels principled, consistent and human. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 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 3 Jun. 2026.

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
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