Thesaurus results for PRINCIPLE

principle

noun

Definition of principle

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 But Axel Springer’s investment in an outlet operating in the UAE will also test one expression of the principles that guide its news business. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Some early studies are showing that people using AI chatbots designed with cognitive behavior therapy principles experienced decreases in symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to psychologists. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 That’s mainly because such splits undermine national uniformity, the legal principle that federal law should apply consistently nationwide and not benefit or hurt parties based on where their case happens to be litigated. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026 In a statement, Dalio said one of his principles relates to recognition of big cycles and patterns. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for principle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle

Noun

The Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC have all passed similar rules against signing the players, along with penalties against teams for doing so.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Fisheries as the sticking point Under EU rules, fishing quotas are based on historical fishing patterns, among other things.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

Bonta, New York's Attorney General Letitia James, and 14 other state attorneys filed a lawsuit against TikTok in 2024 for violating consumer protection laws.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Courts in Texas, Louisiana and elsewhere aren’t bound by 10th Circuit precedent and can reach different or even opposite decisions on the exact same questions of law.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

And under the residential building standards, an accessory building is limited to 800 square feet.

— Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Union County Public Schools led North Carolina in overall student proficiency for the second year in a row, with nearly three-quarters of students meeting state standards on end-of-year exams.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of standard

Browse Nearby Words

principals

principle

principled

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to principle

Cite this Entry

Style

“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of principle

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

'Principal' or 'Principle'?

Top 10 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes