Synonyms of principle

principle

noun

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.

Related Words

• rule
• law
• standard
• value
• belief
• tenet
• theory
• precept
• moral
• hypothesis
• proposition
• norm
• axiom
• basis
• doctrine
• thesis
• truism
• dogma
• foundation
• gospel
• verity
• inference
• declaration
• assertion
• canon
• dictum
• affirmation
• deduction
• assumption
• conclusion
• premise
• ground
• presumption
• presupposition
• postulate
• hypothetical
• given
• supposition
• if
• avouchment
• ipse dixit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of principle

The statement argued that Eisenkot would only include parties and parliament members who support its principles, including recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. — Giovanna Dell'orto, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Today, however, Republicans espouse a Goldilocks principle of government, says Bennett Sandlin, the head of the Texas Municipal League, an advocacy group. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Seeing complexity in villains can read as a worrisome softness, a lack of moral principle, or an indifference to victims’ suffering. — Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026

Far too frequently opposition to the authoritarian’s dehumanization also makes political identity the organizing principle through which other people’s lives are understood. — Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026