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 They are based on a linear equation and the principle of recursion. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026 The guiding principle was to support the talent that large publishers were harnessing, and give those creators the same advocacy that the rest of the entertainment industry always had at CAA. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026 Every successful politician has understood this principle – build on compromise. — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 These are the footballing characteristics of ‘De Zerbi-ball’, and Spurs did not embody those principles. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 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

BlackBerry has crafted its software to have high safety standards, a non-negotiable for cars and other moving objects.

— Arjun Kharpal,Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
If hotel quality is your at-home standard, consider this Martha Stewart comforter that’s filled with premium goose down for cloud-like comfort.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of principle

noun

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