as in star
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
my cousin is one of the principals in a new sitcom this fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
our principal reason for coming here today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the principal researcher in the company's chemical division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principal
Emily Witt, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Migliori, who has been with the brokerage for decades, previously was executive vice president and principal and based out of the firm’s Newport Beach office.
—Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Stephanie Maiorano, a principal dancer with San Diego Ballet who has been a mentor to Juliette, helps her teach classes and manage participants.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principal
Noun
School parents have been detained, the principal said, but even those with legal status are staying home, out of fear.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Migliori, who has been with the brokerage for decades, previously was executive vice president and principal and based out of the firm’s Newport Beach office.
—Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
According to Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions data, the principal office for Sharpless Ave is in Chicago, at the same address and suite number that the Pritzker Group’s website had as its Chicago office.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Stephanie Maiorano, a principal dancer with San Diego Ballet who has been a mentor to Juliette, helps her teach classes and manage participants.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
-
Most of the galaxies in the Universe are small and faint; most of the stars in the Universe emit primarily red or even infrared light; most of the galaxies in the Universe are rich in dust; most of the Universe that’s observable to us are located at significant cosmic distances.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Feb. 2026
-
As reported by The Independent, social media users and Charli xcx fans were quick to defend the pop star against Bateman’s comments.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But that wasn’t his main concern.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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What separates Hush from other slasher films of its ilk is how Flanagan and Siegel give its main character sharp instincts and depth, as well as a frightening use of silence.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Spurs are still reeling and trying to find their feet after a dizzying amount of change at executive level over the last 12 months, which includes the departures of executive chairman Daniel Levy and chief football officer Scott Munn, with the Lewis family reasserting control of daily operations.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Disney said Walden has been promoted to a new role — president and chief creative officer — also effective March 18.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched a $50 million program to bring AI capabilities to 1,000 primary health care clinics across Africa.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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The Amazon-like company has been subjected to a number of investigations, raids, and inspections initiated by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, the country’s primary antitrust regulator, in recent years.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Priced at $88 for a 30-day supply of capsules, the supplement adresses hair loss among Gen X and Boomer men for whom later-stage androgenetic alopecia is perhaps one cause of hair loss, but aging and collagen loss, among other biological shifts, are the foremost culprits.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
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Known as the foremost expert on chimpanzee research, Goodall's pioneering research and perspective on the natural world helped pave the way for female scientists today.—
Ilana Gordon,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
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Arsenal have allowed their previously commanding lead to slip in recent weeks while Nottingham Forest and West Ham have both found form to boost their chances of avoiding relegation.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In more than one-third of Central Florida households, English is not the predominant language.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
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Because autos remain Tesla’s predominant source of revenue, total sales fell roughly 3% for the year, declining for the first time on record.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The head of the center is directly appointed by Iran’s supreme leader.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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Iran's supreme leader said in recent days that the country would strike back if attacked.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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