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 scientific principles at play include the Magnus effect, which is when an air pressure imbalance is created by the spin of the ball, and Newton’s third law of motion (every action has an equal and opposite reaction).
—
Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026
Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 22 May 2026
The coeducational California Military Institute in Perris is also a public middle and high school with military principles.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
There was no statute behind the prohibition, nor was there an argument that derived it from first principles.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026
Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 22 May 2026
The coeducational California Military Institute in Perris is also a public middle and high school with military principles.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
There was no statute behind the prohibition, nor was there an argument that derived it from first principles.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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Hernandez will continue competing under CIF rules permitting transgender participation and is scheduled to compete Saturday, May 16, before advancing to the CIF finals in Clovis later this month.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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According to Anthropic, decisions made before 2028 could determine whether democratic nations or authoritarian governments shape the future rules and standards surrounding advanced AI.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
Noun
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When asked about the depth that Oklahoma City has and what his preferred level of depth for the Lakers going forward would be, Lakers coach JJ Redick said that winning – especially to Oklahoma City or San Antonio’s standards – often comes down to spots 10 through 15 on the team.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
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The best way for schools, especially public schools, to do their best work for the community and their students is local control, to reduce mandates and raise standards.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
Noun
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Federation President Dan Reynolds referred to the new law when urging the district to provide a more favorable contract.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
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The ordinance also banned possession of automatic weapons, overriding a newly effective state law that allowed it.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Noun
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The question turned into an accidental personality test, exposing some of each artist’s values.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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Ryan Rollins was one of the only bright spots from Milwaukee’s season, providing great value as a playmaker and shooter who competes defensively and has a nose for the ball.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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