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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principle
But even the principles themselves are open enough to interpretation that their implementation will matter.
—
ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
The Connecticut General Assembly has passed legislation that stands for the principle that workers who bear the sacrifices of a strike shouldn’t be forced to do so alone.
—Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
The clean principle means cleaning not only your watermelon but also your hands, knives, and other utensils before cutting into and preparing the fruit.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
Many organizations focus specifically on empowering women to take control of their health and well-being, offering community support and resources that align with feminist principles.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
The Connecticut General Assembly has passed legislation that stands for the principle that workers who bear the sacrifices of a strike shouldn’t be forced to do so alone.
—Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
The clean principle means cleaning not only your watermelon but also your hands, knives, and other utensils before cutting into and preparing the fruit.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
Many organizations focus specifically on empowering women to take control of their health and well-being, offering community support and resources that align with feminist principles.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges.—
Eddie Pells,
Baltimore Sun,
7 June 2025
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Instead, Palestinian leaders have concentrated power, using patronage and violence to preserve their rule.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Noun
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In December, new rules from the Department of Transportation came into effect requiring airlines to have stricter standards for accommodating passengers with wheelchairs, as well as requiring airlines to compensate travelers for any damage to their wheelchairs.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
26 May 2025
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Interestingly, there’s an international standard for PIN code management in financial services, ISO 9564-1, and this allows for PINs of up to 12 digits.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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Sunday marks the first batch — 83, to be exact — to become law.—
Hannah Gaskill,
Baltimore Sun,
31 May 2025
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Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
Noun
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If practicality is valuable, this Father’s Day gift triples its value.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
6 June 2025
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And while the value of Red No. 3 itself may be up for debate, one thing is increasingly clear: To succeed in the modern economic and regulatory landscape, businesses need to be agile.—
Stephen DeAngelis,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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