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
Equity is a guiding principle in the district’s Rebuilding Stronger plan, which seeks to stabilize IPS enrollment and finances while also providing more educational opportunities to students of color.
—
Amelia Pak-Harvey, IndyStar, 31 Oct. 2025
Yet, the volume was a revelation, not only because of its aroma of exciting adulthood but because its aesthetic principles had previously lain beyond my grasp.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
The versions at Azucar also borrow heavily from the principles of Cubano engineering, said Hector Aguilar, the general manager who has been with the restaurant since its opening four years ago.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Pact agrees that informed consent is an important principle.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Amelia Pak-Harvey, IndyStar, 31 Oct. 2025
Yet, the volume was a revelation, not only because of its aroma of exciting adulthood but because its aesthetic principles had previously lain beyond my grasp.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
The versions at Azucar also borrow heavily from the principles of Cubano engineering, said Hector Aguilar, the general manager who has been with the restaurant since its opening four years ago.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Pact agrees that informed consent is an important principle.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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However, Laporta has now become closer to La Liga president Tebas, as Barca have looked for more flexibility in meeting the competition’s strict financial sustainability rules.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Larger EVTOLs must undergo rigorous, multi-year testing to meet the standards set by authorities like the FAA.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
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In an era shaped by social media filters and unrealistic standards, that level of care has become more important than ever.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Under state law, countywide petitions must be signed by 15% of those who voted for the office of circuit clerk in the most recent general election.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
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Detroit Mercy Law to review shipwreck's legal impact The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will host a special law review symposium on the Fitzgerald shipwreck's 50th anniversary addressing the legal aspect of fatal shipwrecks.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Entry-level workers experiment freely and the C-suite sees strategic value, yet middle managers often struggle to bridge the gap.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
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In addition, people without insurance use less care, even high-value care, which can impact future health.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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