as in star
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
my cousin is one of the principals in a new sitcom this fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
our principal reason for coming here today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the principal researcher in the company's chemical division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principal
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The event raised $34,000 for Special Olympics Illinois from over 100 student donations, according to Tim Dalton, assistant principal of activities.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
There’s a new principal owner, ready to invest.
—Pj Green
march 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principal
Noun
About 36% of the principals, who were surveyed from May to August, said students from immigrant families had been bullied, and 64% said their attendance had dropped.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The event raised $34,000 for Special Olympics Illinois from over 100 student donations, according to Tim Dalton, assistant principal of activities.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Microsoft initiated a quarterly dividend in 2003, meaning a buy-and-hold investor would have collected an additional $341,513 in dividends on top of their principal gains by 2022.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
There’s a new principal owner, ready to invest.
—Pj Green
march 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
-
Once inside, the Euphoria star was photographed with a slim gold band on her wedding finger.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
-
If that role is on the bench, be a star there.—
Cody Thorn,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Tucked away off Lagos’ Admiralty Way main road, you’d be forgiven for mistaking its polite green exterior for something residential upon viewing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
-
This main compartment is also lined with pockets that are perfect for storing small eye shadow palettes or bronzers.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At the end of his 24-hour overtime shift, Mullen handed the reins to Battalion Chief Mario Garcia, recommending that the incoming chief scope out the fire perimeter.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Nicole Kidman doesn’t tremble or get squeamish putting on the white lab coat of Kay Scarpetta, chief medical examiner at the heart of Patricia Cornwell's series of crime thriller novels, now adapted for a Prime Video show by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Mesa County Clerk and Colorado Republican candidate for secretary of state Tina Peters reacts to early election returns during a primary night watch party at the Wide Open Saloon on June 28, 2022, in Sedalia, Colorado.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
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Senior Republicans under pressure from conservative activists and GOP primary challengers are starting to take notice.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Daniel Yergin, one of the world’s foremost energy experts, notes how China has become resilient in a different way, by pouring oil into storage for a rainy day.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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Over the course of less than two decades, stop-motion animation house Laika has established itself as of one of the foremost makers of the beloved artform.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Republicans have a less commanding lead, 52-44, among Catholics.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
-
He's gone from about halfway down the list in the betting odds to having a pretty commanding lead over Johnson in Atlanta.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And what’s so predominant is the characters are no bigger than the story.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Dark green is the predominant color in this manicure even though a black shade serves as the base.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran's supreme leader said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The new supreme leader on Thursday announced the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the path of transit for exporting around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gasoline, until the military offensive ends.—
Ryan Mancini,
The Hill,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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