as in rule
something (such as a belief or value) that helps a person know what is right and wrong and that influences their actions
He refused to participate on principle. It is against her principles to steal.
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Recent Examples of principle
Housing is a fundamental right, and our laws should uphold that principle.
—
Lydia Edwards, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025
Chinese officials argue that U.S. restrictions distort global supply chains and run counter to principles of fair competition.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Hostinger's templates adhere to the responsive design principle, so your site resizes itself to look good on desktop or mobile screens.
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 July 2025
Marine animals can use a similar principle, but in the water with currents.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Lydia Edwards, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025
Chinese officials argue that U.S. restrictions distort global supply chains and run counter to principles of fair competition.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Hostinger's templates adhere to the responsive design principle, so your site resizes itself to look good on desktop or mobile screens.
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 July 2025
Marine animals can use a similar principle, but in the water with currents.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
What if my neighbor doesn't follow Milwaukee's rules about weeds and grass?—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
-
Startups often rely on business rules engines that lack user friendliness.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Many such items require special permits and must meet strict health and safety standards.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
Among the exacting standards wrestling promotes, Chad Humphrey said, are intense mental toughness and being reliant on yourself.—
Vahe Gregorian
July 25,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In 2017, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205, which established uniform policies for autonomous vehicles across Texas and placed oversight in the hands of the state government, preventing municipalities from enacting any laws or regulations related to autonomous and self-driving vehicles.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 2025
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Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.—
Jessie Balmert,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
The heat dome created by high pressure has been influencing the weather over the eastern third of the country, causing heat index values of 105 to 110 in cities across the Deep South like Little Rock, Memphis and New Orleans.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Bathroom renovations can improve mood, functionality, and home value.—
Lennie Omalza,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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