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
Being true to hugely important principles in the face of adversity is perhaps the ultimate test.
—
Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 May 2026
In their bilateral meeting at the presidential office Friday, Peña said his country solemnly called on the international community to recognize that the people of Taiwan should have the right to make their own decisions based on the principles of democracy and fairness.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
The Oodie Weighted Blanket leans on the scientific principles behind deep pressure stimulation and promotes a deeper, more restful sleep.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 May 2026
In their bilateral meeting at the presidential office Friday, Peña said his country solemnly called on the international community to recognize that the people of Taiwan should have the right to make their own decisions based on the principles of democracy and fairness.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
The Oodie Weighted Blanket leans on the scientific principles behind deep pressure stimulation and promotes a deeper, more restful sleep.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
Opponents to the change, however, say there will be no easy way to ensure people are following these rules, and various state gun laws, when mailing easily concealable handguns.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Energy experts in Sardinia are also working with policymakers to change the rules around grid-connection requests.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The batteries inside utility-scale storage facilities are built to far stricter standards, sited under the most rigorous fire code in the country, and monitored 24/7.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
What Bianchi failed to mention is the same standard should also be applied to the Magic’s president of basketball operations, Jeff Weltman.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
For example, a West Virginia law passed in early 2025 gives teachers more power to exclude disruptive students from their classrooms.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Rebecca Miller, the executive director of DC Preservation League, has spent 23 years at the organization, which sued to stop the golf course takeover and joined a coalition attempting to force the Kennedy Center to comply with preservation laws.—
Steven Sloan,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The high production values and frequent genre-hopping were inspired by the sketch-comedy duo Key and Peele, whom Barker grew up watching religiously.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Winner may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute Prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
