a matter of principle
noun phrase
: a situation that requires something be done a certain way because one believes it is the only right way
It was a matter of principle for her that she pay her own way.
As a matter of principle, he would not accept the gift.
Examples of a matter of principle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Albares’s telling, his government’s stand is a matter of principle, consistency, and adherence to the importance of international law.
—
Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Of the two major parties, the Republicans were intended to be the party that stood against top-down interventions, as a matter of principle.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
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.
Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Of the two major parties, the Republicans were intended to be the party that stood against top-down interventions, as a matter of principle.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“A matter of principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of%20principle. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
