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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principle
American families, American workers, and foreign policy restraint will be the guiding principles to understand what a JD Vance presidency will look like in the post-Trump world.
—
Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
That specific configuration won’t come to the UK, where LPG never truly caught on, but the principle remains.
—Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
With three years of experience under longtime NFL defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Parker is expected to have a scheme that shares the same Fangio principles but will differ with nuances that will be fun to track early in the season.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2026
The same principles apply either way.
—Halona Black, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
That specific configuration won’t come to the UK, where LPG never truly caught on, but the principle remains.
—Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
With three years of experience under longtime NFL defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Parker is expected to have a scheme that shares the same Fangio principles but will differ with nuances that will be fun to track early in the season.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2026
The same principles apply either way.
—Halona Black, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
All of Russia is centered around Putin’s rule, and Putin is represented as the powerful male leader upon whose shoulders Russian greatness rests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Jan. 2026
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The rules of polite society would bar this particular group from fraternizing together in such a heedless manner, but the Bridgerton wrap party brought the crew together for what appears to have been a very good time indeed.—
Sophie Dodd,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, responsible hemp retailers that already use age restrictions, third-party testing and labeling standards are pushed out of the market, even for many nonintoxicating products.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Harmon is the all-time leader in assists at Texas, and she is situated to set her school's steals standard within the next couple of weeks.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The move comes as nine local district attorneys launched a coalition this week to assist in prosecuting federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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The documents were disclosed as mandated by a law requiring the government to open its files on the late financier and his confidant and onetime girlfriend, Maxwell.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA created counter-programming to Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show performance that the organization says is more aligned with their values.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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