as in stars
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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Recent Examples of principals
This ambiguity leaves room for problematic practices such as the principals paying all members of one generation the same amount regardless of their duties, Gilbert said.
—
Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
Elementary school principals will start at $130,000 and middle school principals at $145,000.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026
Defined by effortless elegance and understated luxury, this style takes you back to the basics with simple design principals and high quality materials.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026
The Oklahoman asked superintendents, principals, teachers, and guidance counselors from across the Oklahoma City area to participate in the Student of the Week program by sending nominations for their student.
—Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 19 Jan. 2026
He will be followed by Chris Hargrave, one of three interim principals who led La Jolla’s Bird Rock Elementary School after Principal Andi Frost left in 2023 and before current Principal Eric Banatao was hired in 2024.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, one of Truman’s principals is a former student.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2026
Prior to the budget's public release, Superintendent Brian Yearwood met with school principals twice to discuss his plans.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
The Lakeland School System is promoting one of its vice principals to lead the school system's high school.
—Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 16 Jan. 2026
Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
Elementary school principals will start at $130,000 and middle school principals at $145,000.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026
Defined by effortless elegance and understated luxury, this style takes you back to the basics with simple design principals and high quality materials.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026
The Oklahoman asked superintendents, principals, teachers, and guidance counselors from across the Oklahoma City area to participate in the Student of the Week program by sending nominations for their student.
—Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 19 Jan. 2026
He will be followed by Chris Hargrave, one of three interim principals who led La Jolla’s Bird Rock Elementary School after Principal Andi Frost left in 2023 and before current Principal Eric Banatao was hired in 2024.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, one of Truman’s principals is a former student.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2026
Prior to the budget's public release, Superintendent Brian Yearwood met with school principals twice to discuss his plans.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
The Lakeland School System is promoting one of its vice principals to lead the school system's high school.
—Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principals
stars
Noun
-
Though the series has been a hit for Netflix and made stars of its cast, rumors of tension, conflict, and discord have followed the cast.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Jan. 2026
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The unique treehouses couldn't be more romantic—lit by lanterns, candles, the stars and the moon.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principals. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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