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 anatomically faithful representation of the human body in sculpture is a principle rooted in Western tradition.
—
Li Qi, Artforum, 6 Mar. 2026
In a statement, Hillsdale President Larry Arnn said too many other colleges have abandoned the nation’s founding principles.
—Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Earlier Friday, Takaichi’s governing Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party submitted a proposal calling for scrapping restrictions on lethal weapons sales, in a further break from Japan's postwar pacifist principle.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Days later, Altman said the company would amend OpenAI’s contract with the department to include new language regarding its principles on topics like surveillance.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Li Qi, Artforum, 6 Mar. 2026
In a statement, Hillsdale President Larry Arnn said too many other colleges have abandoned the nation’s founding principles.
—Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Earlier Friday, Takaichi’s governing Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party submitted a proposal calling for scrapping restrictions on lethal weapons sales, in a further break from Japan's postwar pacifist principle.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Days later, Altman said the company would amend OpenAI’s contract with the department to include new language regarding its principles on topics like surveillance.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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On a call from Mexico on Thursday with reporters, Estrada Juarez, 42, said DACA was supposed to protect people like her who work hard and follow the rules.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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For details on other rules, like how many and what kinds of fish anglers can bring home, or where and how to get needed licenses and permits, visit the Unified Government’s Fishing and Boating website.—
Sofi Zeman
March 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Standard rooms are large by New York City standards, and smartly arranged for maximum floor space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
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The engineer makes sure contractors follow plans and quality standards for roads, bridges and traffic signs.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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According to the website, states may exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
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On at least six other occasions, detainees attempted to harm themselves while expressing suicidal ideations that resulted in 911 calls, according to records from the city of El Paso obtained under the Texas public information law.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Every brand is different, and has a different DNA and different values.—
Luke Leitch,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
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That’s because, unlike their salaried counterparts, boomers’ asset returns aren’t tied to inflation and are therefore more susceptible to declines in the real value of their disposable income.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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