as in rule
something (such as a belief or value) that helps a person know what is right and wrong and that influences their actions
He refused to participate on principle. It is against her principles to steal.
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Recent Examples of principle
The same storytelling principle applies across industries.
—
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Under Putin, Russia operates with the same principles, once again gambling with the lives of its people as well as those living far beyond its borders.
—Benjamin MacK-Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The principle here is to think vertically and to choose pieces with clean, slim profiles.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The 12-step program is based on Biblical principles.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Under Putin, Russia operates with the same principles, once again gambling with the lives of its people as well as those living far beyond its borders.
—Benjamin MacK-Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The principle here is to think vertically and to choose pieces with clean, slim profiles.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The 12-step program is based on Biblical principles.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
But with the lottery alterations, trades and free agency again will return to a forefront that allowed the Heat to return to the forefront for the majority of these three decades of Riley rule.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
He was removed from the assignments last month in what his spokesperson said was a procedural move under House rules following his party change.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Buried inside it is a provision that would strip states and communities of the authority to set animal welfare standards and food safety standards for agricultural products sold within their borders.—
Jesse Plunkett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
The following year, the Swiss Mad watch—sporting a case made from a composite infused with real Swiss cheese and a red fumé dial echoing the Swiss flag—mocked the loose standards behind the Swiss Made label, which require only half a watch’s components originate in the country.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
This case is an example of what the accountability law was designed to do, and not necessarily a sign that POST is taking a tougher stance on police shootings, according to Meagan Poulos, an agency spokesperson.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
However, the information provided was inaccurate and did not align with county election law.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Belcher thinks that the 2026 midterm elections will be won not just on pocketbook issues but on values and character, and by bringing people together in a multiracial coalition.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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As the league experienced a growth spurt over the last few years, the value of franchises skyrocketed and the league’s appeal for TV rights dollars rose.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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