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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of principle
And while these employees can in principle save money on their own, many are forced to prioritize putting food on the table and paying the bills in the present over building a nest egg for the future, the study found.
—
Alain Sherter, CBS News, 27 June 2025
The planks are also constrained to a number of set dimensions, and in doing this, the collection nods to modernist principles of standardization but also simplicity and utility, values held by the Shakers.
—Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 26 June 2025
That has been the driving principle of America's successful nuclear policy for decades, and with one capricious order, President Trump has inadvertently made the nightmare of a proliferation cascade much more likely.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Looking ahead, Gupta outlined the platform’s design principles for global applicability: inclusivity (maximizing platform access), intuitive user experiences (minimizing friction), interactivity (leveraging digital’s two-way communication), and immersion (creating deeply engaging experiences).
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Alain Sherter, CBS News, 27 June 2025
The planks are also constrained to a number of set dimensions, and in doing this, the collection nods to modernist principles of standardization but also simplicity and utility, values held by the Shakers.
—Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 26 June 2025
That has been the driving principle of America's successful nuclear policy for decades, and with one capricious order, President Trump has inadvertently made the nightmare of a proliferation cascade much more likely.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Looking ahead, Gupta outlined the platform’s design principles for global applicability: inclusivity (maximizing platform access), intuitive user experiences (minimizing friction), interactivity (leveraging digital’s two-way communication), and immersion (creating deeply engaging experiences).
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
-
Having a place for all your belongings is a non-negotiable organizing rule if your goal is to have a totally tidy home.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Companies operating in Europe face substantial fines—potentially $100 million or more annually for some companies that can’t meet emissions standards.—
Nicole LeBlanc,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Trying to fit into societal standards is a losing game, especially as a woman in pop.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
But other professors have renewed their emphasis on getting students to see the value of process.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
-
Katzenbach and Smith go through the obvious teamwork values of listening, giving others the benefit of the doubt, providing support, recognizing the achievement of others, etc.—
Neil Senturia,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share