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
The principles of Rotary International and Scouts BSA are closely aligned.
—
Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
Encouraging stores to offer healthier food is good in principle, Babey said.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Their findings, made by Eric Lutz, PhD, a physics professor and Milton Aguilar, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Stuttgart, show that quantum systems can exceed efficiency limit defined by the Carnot principle.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Roday said the issue also calls into question Spanberger's leadership and principles.
—Margaret Barthel, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
Encouraging stores to offer healthier food is good in principle, Babey said.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Their findings, made by Eric Lutz, PhD, a physics professor and Milton Aguilar, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Stuttgart, show that quantum systems can exceed efficiency limit defined by the Carnot principle.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Roday said the issue also calls into question Spanberger's leadership and principles.
—Margaret Barthel, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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After wrestling control of Long Island from the Dutch, British rule went mostly unchallenged for over a century before the region played host to the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Oct. 2025
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The mother of a star high school wide receiver has sued the Ohio High School Athletic Association over a prohibition on high school athletes signing NIL deals, but the case might be resolved by a rule change and, if not, would face hurdles.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The opposition accuses Fico of eroding democratic standards, media freedom, and covering up corruption.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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This path instills our culture, standards and patient-first philosophy from the start.—
Prof. Dr. med. Mazda Farshad,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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According to Arkansas law, all drain plugs must be removed from your boat at the boat ramp upon the conclusion of your outing and during transport.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
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Larson argued the amendment would limit the state's ability to enact more restrictive gun laws in the future.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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After evaluating nine different pairs for comfort, support, and value, the Hoka Mach 6 Sneakers proved to be the best for everyday wear.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Even more suggestive of charter value, Rick Ware and Legacy Motor Club have battled in court over the sale of a charter for $45 million.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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