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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of principal
Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025
So, the owner and principal of Muskoka Living set out to craft a family oasis from the ground up—one that would seamlessly mesh refinement and comfort.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2025
Vivian Ogunro, Twin Cities, 30 Aug. 2025
The chief judge plays a principal role in the public safety of our communities, yet residents do not get a vote.
—Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principal
Noun
School principals, assistant principals and other administrators also take part.
—Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025
So, the owner and principal of Muskoka Living set out to craft a family oasis from the ground up—one that would seamlessly mesh refinement and comfort.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Lococo and Melissa Mikkonen, who is a principal program manager of Medicaid health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, share a commitment to equitable access in addiction-recovery care.
—Vivian Ogunro, Twin Cities, 30 Aug. 2025
The chief judge plays a principal role in the public safety of our communities, yet residents do not get a vote.
—Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
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Il Fagiano, the signature restaurant, offers an elevated culinary experience worthy of its Michelin star, making dining on-site an essential part of any stay at Grand Hotel Fasano.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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And unlike the pop stars of the early aughts, who were very in-your-face with their raunchy personas, Sabrina has taken the whole thing with a sense of humor.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Punk is deeply tied into current main-event storylines with real-life married couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, so the impending couples brawl is a great story.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The stages of the eclipse include penumbral and umbral phases, which refer to the two main parts of the shadow that the moon casts.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Those changes will likely start with a new chief soccer officer.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
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Zubeck most recently served as chief financial officer of Mesa Airlines and prior to that in multiple executive roles at Alaska Airlines.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Given the steep, rocky terrain and limited dozer access, hand crews and aviation resources will remain the primary suppression tools.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Charlotte voters will finalize their primary picks for mayor and City Council on Tuesday.—
Josh Bergeron,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Agni Ghosh,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Now, one of the family’s foremost talents has struck out on her own, pioneering a new roster of wines that reflect her own passions and interests.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Meghan is more commanding and confident this time around—her preppy-chic wardrobe and carefully curated soundtrack add polish, while the guest lineup gives the show depth and warmth.—
Sophia A. Nelson,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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The New York Yankees once had a commanding lead in the American League East.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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My research looked more at what happened peripherally in muscles, but the predominant model had the brain at the top.—
Sara Giordano,
The Conversation,
4 Sep. 2025
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With global supplies heavily concentrated, most notably under China’s predominant influence, the risks of disruption due to trade restrictions or geopolitical tensions loom large.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In many ways, Eze feels a throwback Arsenal player, the kind of footballer blessed with supreme technique and control in tight spaces, rather than the more imposing figures like Declan Rice and Merino that Arteta has recruited.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Between pork buns and supreme croissants, TikTok can spark a social media flood, but what matters most is what happens after the post.—
Harper Stephanopoulos,
CNN Money,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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