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.

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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 Stick with solid decorations The same principle applies to other decorations. — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 There’s not really a lot of disagreement about values and principles. — John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026 Organized around seven guiding principles, the book pairs philosophy with practical recipes, encouraging readers to see cooking as an opportunity to reconnect with food, others, and themselves instead of an obligation. — Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2026 But then he’s presented with Anya Taylor-Joy’s character, who is taking her parents’ principles and pushing them even further. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for principle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle

Noun

In 2024, the CFPB proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of tips and fees as finance charges as an APR, or the total yearly cost of borrowing money.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
But that same year, protests erupted that ended 15 years of rule by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

There is a precedent — this idea is an extension of one that is already law.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Some may hesitate to perform CPR because of legal concerns over causing injury—like rib fractures—while administering CPR, but every state has Good Samaritan laws providing protections to people who render emergency aid in good faith.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

OpenAI took months to discover the incident and notify the Australian agencies affected — that’s unacceptable by my standard.

— Rumman Chowdhury, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
Airport officials said the new design also increases the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, formerly as little as 257 feet, to about 880 feet — a change that brings the airport into compliance with FAA standards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of standard

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principals

principle

principled

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“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of principle

noun

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