principal 1 of 2

noun

ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principal (audio)
Definition of principalnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

principal

2 of 2

adjective

ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principal (audio)
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

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 principal
Noun
Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Marko’s contribution to creating and leading Red Bull’s junior program for more than two decades in the news release. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 27 July 2026 The five original Broadway principals — also including Amber Gray, as Persephone — got the old gang back together and went into the West End production five weeks before the film was shot in front of three live audiences. — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2026
Adjective
The three principal hero roles remain in active casting along with other key roles. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 July 2026 The movement quickly centered its focus on the mismanagement of India’s principal medical college qualifying examination, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, following reports that questions had been leaked prior to the exam. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
  1. star
  2. main
  3. chief
  4. primary
  5. foremost
  6. predominant
  7. commanding
  8. dominant
Noun
  • The ability to walk from your bed to the sand and stare at the sea is the star of the show here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Founder of the casual sushi bowl favorite Wabi Sabi, Perez Miranda is also the owner of Midorie and Ogawa in Little River, which earned a Michelin star in 2024.
    — Connie Ogle July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of star
Adjective
  • But Gold Phoenix was inside both his main rivals and might have saved just enough ground to make the difference.
    — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
  • Kevin Knight, Ospreay Attacks The Death Riders Kevin Knight received little-to-no reaction for his entrance, but that’s to be expected as a young star in his first pay-per-view main event.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • The announcement comes as Polymarket and its chief rival, Kalshi, make daily headlines for contracts that invite users to wager on everything from sports to interest rate cuts to elections.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • The uncertainty created by such lack of guidance has become one of several legitimate problems that needs resolution, said Troy Flint, chief communications officer for the California School Boards Assn.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • If diversification were really the primary reason to own private equity, more capital would already be there for that reason alone.
    — Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The address of the shooting is listed as the primary residence for Elijah Bieniemy, according to online property records.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The executions have drawn attention to the ageing death-row population in the US, as well as Florida’s status as the foremost death penalty state.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 16 July 2026
  • Among the most significant was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision Paris, one of the world’s foremost textile and fashion sourcing platforms.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • While summer is still the predominant season, the average acreage burned in winter, spring and fall have all increased too, according to the analysis.
    — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Repeated, large fires have caused a decline in the predominant species of conifers, the black spruce, shifting what vegetation regrows.
    — Joshua Partlow, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Definition of predominant
Adjective
  • The Mariners now sit a game and a half behind the Rangers, who have more of a commanding lead of the American League West.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
  • Edwards, who had been the commanding officer of HSC-5 since July 2025, was posthumously promoted to captain, the Navy said in a statement.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of commanding
Adjective
  • The Carolina Panthers’ offense bounced back Sunday following a defensively dominant start to training camp.
    — Mike Kaye July 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • Morgan Stanley analysts suggest a $100 share price would imply zero value for SpaceX's AI division, which, along with the dominant space launch segment, currently operates at a significant loss.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of dominant

Browse Nearby Words

princesses
principal
principalities
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Cite this Entry

“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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