principle

noun

Definition of principlenext
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

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 But the principle also applies beyond retail—from concentrating bank-branch expertise on complex financial decisions to reserving B2B demonstration centers for solutions that are difficult to evaluate remotely. — Ayşe Çetinel, Harvard Business Review, 18 Aug. 2026 The organizing principle of these projects must be mutual benefit, expressed as two-way flows of capacity. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Registering with one communicates membership in that community — something many people understandably interpret as support for its principles. — Ethan Hicks, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Sailaway Deserves Attention Too The same principle applies when leaving port. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
  1. rule
  2. standard
  3. law
  4. value
Noun
  • Critics dismissed the polls, held in phases in December and January, as a sham designed to consolidate the military’s grip on power while ostensibly restoring civilian rule.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time, after decades of brutal Assad rule – by both Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad before him - the model of impunity in Syria has been broken, even if the penalty is unlikely to ever be carried out.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • The agreement Hansen describes would be a much larger legal matter than a standard screening NDA, and would not be asked of other individuals screening the film — including press and third-party marketing agencies.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This means clear standards, thoughtful planning and investment in new energy generation and transmission.
    — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of standard
Noun
  • The justice ministry rejected the criticism, saying the proceedings complied with Syrian law and included the participation of victims and their representatives.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Compared with federal law and that of other states, New York has uncommonly strong protections for defendants facing multiple prosecutions — though they are not guaranteed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • She is alleged to have touted that the company had a potential future value of more than $4 billion.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of value

Browse Nearby Words

principals
principle
principled
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Cite this Entry

“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on principle

Nglish: Translation of principle for Spanish Speakers

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