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
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 28 July 2025
In 2018, Chinese foreign principals spent $16.9 million on influence operations.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Signatures of a weevil infestation are drooping fronds and a collapsed or tilting crown that turns brown in an umbrella-like appearance, according to Mark Hoddle, a biological control specialist and principal investigator at the UC Riverside Department of Entomology.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principal
Noun
Even if students have spent the summer in ESY, Richard sees it as a part of her job as an assistant principal to help students connect with the joy of learning.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 28 July 2025
In 2018, Chinese foreign principals spent $16.9 million on influence operations.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025
Adjective
By the time the satellite comes back around on another orbit, conditions will have changed, but scientists wouldn't know how or why, according to David Miles, principal investigator for the TRACERS mission at the University of Iowa.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Signatures of a weevil infestation are drooping fronds and a collapsed or tilting crown that turns brown in an umbrella-like appearance, according to Mark Hoddle, a biological control specialist and principal investigator at the UC Riverside Department of Entomology.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
-
But, the star of the show is a first-of-its-kind Alumni Home Run Derby following the Brewers/Marlins matchup.—
Hannah Kirby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
Afterward, see a star dedication and live performances by Mr. Southern Soul Bigg Robb & Friends, Regina Belle and Dottie Peoples.—
Caroline Ritzie,
The Enquirer,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Messer, 39, has been spending his days walking the halls of both Dell Children's main campus in East Austin and its North Austin hospital.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Despite this, the company’s chief marketing and sales officer, Federico Foschini, still sees a desire among customers for something even more unique.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
31 July 2025
-
Berry works with Paul DePodesta, the Browns' chief strategy officer.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
24 July 2025
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The Falcons have above-average talent at WR/TE and return four offensive line starters, which could lead to an aerial boon since stopping Bijan Robinson will be the primary goal of most defensive coordinators.—
KC Joyner,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Just as Russia has declined in its military might since the break-up of the Soviet Union a generation ago, Grossfeld says, its status as one of the globe’s foremost space powers has likewise slipped away.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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But all that nuttiness took place a long time ago, under the influence, and, according to the world’s foremost Ozzy authority, such is not really the case.—
Erik Hedegaard,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The Sox scored four in the fourth to take a commanding 9-0 lead.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
26 July 2025
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And that one draw was only because two days were lost to rain at Old Trafford in Manchester when England were in a commanding position at a pivotal stage of the most recent Ashes series against Australia two years ago.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Where in the past the predominant parties would at least pay lip service by either demanding higher taxes or lower spending, that appears to be out the window in DC these days.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
24 July 2025
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Your predominant dosha—whether vata, pitta, or kapha—affects everything from your personality to your sleep tendencies.—
Anjana Rajbhandary,
Outside Online,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
The most immediate threat to the land of dreams was, of course, none other than the supreme leader himself, whose decision to spill family blood by mercifully killing his only son, Orpheus (Ruairi O’Connor), drew the ire of a trio of goddesses known as the Furies.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
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And the current overwhelming, supreme U.S. power in orbit, with advanced imaging, intelligence and nuclear command and control satellites, makes its ever-expanding constellations attractive targets.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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