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
When implemented effectively, these principles drive long-term value and competitive advantage.
—
CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
In addition to belief in the scripture, the church has been standing on the foundation of principles laid by Whipple, Loya said.
—Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
The self as the organizing principle of the state.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
And Alexander, who followed him at the helm, generally adhered to his principles.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
In addition to belief in the scripture, the church has been standing on the foundation of principles laid by Whipple, Loya said.
—Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
The self as the organizing principle of the state.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
And Alexander, who followed him at the helm, generally adhered to his principles.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
The issue of digital sovereignty and the ability of nations to control the deployment of technology across borders was a hot topic, with leaders warning that divergent rules and governance models risk stalling innovation and stifling growth.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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While reading a Regency romance, the social rules a woman was forced to live by seem almost silly to our modern sensibilities.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Define your highest-value transformation, identify perfect-fit clients, set non-negotiable pricing, design simple delivery, and establish premium standards.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
This might mean that your total allowance for food goes down by 15 percent or 20 percent (the industry standard), which might translate to one less appetizer, one less drink, et cetera.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Provisions in the new law that go into effect this year aim to change that.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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While federal law makes Ross immune from being directly sued for assault or wrongful death in Good’s shooting, he could be named as a defendant – and end up in front of a jury – in a suit accusing him of denying Good’s civil rights.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Olathe’s trajectory mirrors what’s happening across Johnson County — which saw more than 90% of the homes go up in value in 2024, with the average home prices sitting at $508,000 and average sale price at $557,000.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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