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
Katie Stockton, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025
Kessler was previously an assistant principal at Hillsboro High School, which also began daily classes at 7:05 a.m.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2025
Somewhere between $928 million and $932 million will be distributed to JCPenney’s creditors, principal financial officer Larry Finger said this week, USA Today reported.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principal
Noun
Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025
Kessler was previously an assistant principal at Hillsboro High School, which also began daily classes at 7:05 a.m.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
Adjective
That doesn’t stop principal Joe Theobold from setting and meeting an annual goal of 100% college admission for students at Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2025
Somewhere between $928 million and $932 million will be distributed to JCPenney’s creditors, principal financial officer Larry Finger said this week, USA Today reported.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
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And sports stars and Mahatma Gandhi and Florence Nightingale and more than 20,000 other pieces, and with them, a question: What's to become of it all? Krasula, closing on 77, never had kids.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Álex Baena, the star signing and La Liga’s highest provider of assists last season, and Marc Pubill were both part of Spain’s under 23 side that won Olympic gold last summer alongside Pablo Barrios.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Blood of My Blood tells the origin stories of the Outlander main characters' families, in this epic romantic drama.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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The report outlined three main policy goals: improving student literacy, strengthening the teacher workforce, and empowering parents.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Online dating firm Bumble hired Kevin D. Cook to be its new chief financial officer, effective August 12.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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In an email, Leila Santillán, the nonprofit’s chief operating officer, said the improvement in scores citywide was largely driven by gains in Fort Worth ISD.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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France is, however, the primary importer of Mauritian nutmeg today.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Aug. 2025
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This time the logo appeared as part of a broader Leidos sponsorship on Bubba Wallace’s Toyota, giving the Space Force visibility within a partnership rather than as the primary branding.—
Greg Engle,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
James DiNardo,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Cornell was the foremost beneficiary of the Morrill Act Both Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin are land-grant universities that profited from lands taken from Indigenous nations, as did at least 50 other universities throughout the U.S.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Paxton has held a commanding polling lead for months, fueling concern among national Republicans that his nomination could give Democrats a stronger shot at flipping a longtime red seat.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Aug. 2025
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Trent Grisham also mashed a three-run shot off the right-field foul pole to give the Bombers what looked like a commanding 9-4 lead.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The other predominant design component is that her outdoor space is divided into multiple functional private spaces around the house.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
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The predominant effect that this law will have is to prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing their preferred firearm.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Perhaps the most complex aspect of portraying Michael Jackson is balancing the supreme performer with the deeply conflicted human being.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
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Yes This stunning bra features lace made in Italy, and the balconette shape will give you supreme lift and volume.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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