principal 1 of 2

noun

ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principal (audio)
Definition of principalnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

principal

2 of 2

adjective

ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principal (audio)
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance our principal reason for coming here today

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority the principal researcher in the company's chemical division

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of principal
Noun
As principals at Miami City Ballet, Kronenberg and Guerra performed the pas de deux and fell in love with it. — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026 The school will choose a new principal for the 2027-2028 school year, according to the email. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
Adjective
Golden State’s championship run coincided with a business boom for the franchise, which has the same principal ownership group as the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026 The fleet includes four principal royal barges distinguished by their elaborate designs and decorations. — ABC News, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
  1. star
  2. main
  3. chief
  4. primary
  5. foremost
  6. predominant
  7. commanding
  8. dominant
Noun
  • Antetokounmpo’s Heat co-star Bam Adebayo scored just four points in Monday’s half before going on to finish with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field and 1-of-2 shooting on threes, nine rebounds and four assists.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The basketball expert also worked on two books with NBA star Charles Barkley.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of star
Adjective
  • In 2019, a train lost control while approaching Cairo’s main station in Ramses Square, igniting a fire that killed 25 people.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Tens of thousands of people packed Florida’s main square for the Mass under brilliant blue skies, some walking for several kilometers (miles) to reach the site.
    — Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Lindsey Cobia, another longtime Newsom aide, and Kyle Layman, Becerra’s chief campaign strategist, will serve as senior advisers.
    — Liam Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Russia’s chief negotiator is Medinsky, a Putin aide who has led Moscow’s team since the first full-fledged peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022, although exploratory talks took place earlier in neighboring Belarus.
    — Bassam Hatoum, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • Party organizations were strong, our legislative allies were aligned, and labor held significant influence within the primary process.
    — Denis Hughes, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Much of his campaign was run against the Democratic establishment, with his primary opponent backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • My health and long-term well-being remain my foremost priorities.
    — Mike Toole, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Now its glassy waters are the centerpiece of new glamping cabins that cater to Cuyuna Country, one of the Midwest’s foremost mountain biking destinations.
    — Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • In these regions, the predominant ailments are HIV/AIDS, premature birth and birth trauma, congenital anomalies and injuries.
    — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Another complicating factor is that H1N1 has been the dominant strain this year, compared to the previous few years when the H3N2 strain was the predominant one.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of predominant
Adjective
  • Kardashian paired this noticeable accessory with an equally commanding outfit, wearing a bright white Gucci dress with a plunging neckline.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Also contributing to losses were the commanding Democratic victories across the country in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of commanding
Adjective
  • Georgia turned in one of the most dominant performances of the season in a 42-7 victory at Mississippi on Saturday.
    — Eric Olson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In 2021, Larson won 10 races and was more or less a dominant force.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of dominant

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principal
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Cite this Entry

“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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