principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
Synonyms of principlednext
: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle
—often used in combination

Synonyms of principled

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Examples of principled in a Sentence

She took a principled stand on funding public education. a high-principled art expert who always told clients what he honestly thought their items were worth
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
An unstoppable wave of democratic socialists is standing up for the working class and winning because of their principled stances — not despite them. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 The implicit neutrality of letting an inanimate object guided by a mysterious, principled force make the decision — rather than a living, breathing, fallible entity — is meant to elevate the honor. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2026 He was bounced before the fourth quarter and acted like a principled victim. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The Tricontinental’s history offers a more nuanced and principled political position, one that opposes oppression in any form and that places self-determination for all people at the heart of its politics. — Anne Garland Mahler, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for principled

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of principled was in 1635

Rhymes for principled

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Browse Nearby Words

principle
principled
principle of acceleration
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Cite this Entry

“Principled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/principled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

principled

adjective
prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
: based on or marked by principle
high-principled
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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