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
• standard
• law
• 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
• premise
• conclusion
• ground
• presumption
• presupposition
• postulate
• hypothetical
• given
• supposition
• if
• avouchment
• ipse dixit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of principle

Two sources close to the squad say at least one senior player has already agreed a deal in principle to leave at the end of the coming season, with an offer on the table from a team above United in the table. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Do not turn a simple adjustment into a larger argument about principles. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026

Shah says investors allocating funds based on that principle stand to lose a lot of money. — Alastair Marsh, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Those principles seem to become much less important when the questions might challenge the preferred position. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026