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
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Recent Examples of principle
The 12-step program is based on Biblical principles.
—
Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Dry-stacking and cement-free construction principles are in line with how the locals build, making use of local pine.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Founded in the 19th century in Iran, the faith centers around principles of humanity and oneness.
—Adam Duxter, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Onstage with Bush, Devgan framed this not as pessimism, but as a kind of operating principle.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Dry-stacking and cement-free construction principles are in line with how the locals build, making use of local pine.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Founded in the 19th century in Iran, the faith centers around principles of humanity and oneness.
—Adam Duxter, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Onstage with Bush, Devgan framed this not as pessimism, but as a kind of operating principle.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
But with the lottery alterations, trades and free agency again will return to a forefront that allowed the Heat to return to the forefront for the majority of these three decades of Riley rule.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
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He was removed from the assignments last month in what his spokesperson said was a procedural move under House rules following his party change.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These standards are not only more functional, but reduce the night sky glow, are more energy efficient, reduce wildlife impacts and contribute to better health.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Technology has replaced the medium’s material substrate—once photochemical, now primarily electronic—and repeatedly modified its syntax, its narrative codes, its standards of realism.—
Dennis Lim,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The internal documents were released only after the Union-Tribune pressed for the records, citing language in Atkins’ law.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Various states have laws that ban people under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms, and there are five pending Supreme Court petitions that challenge a variety of these laws across the country.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though the value can be criticized, Love is immediately going to make Arizona’s offense exponentially better.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Under state law, the department should have gathered data on at least three comparable properties and their corresponding values, the report reads.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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