as in chiefly
for the most part
the tourists were principally concerned with the quantity of the food, and only secondarily with the quality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principally
This rising use of AI has principally been spurred by the evolving advances and widespread adoption of generative AI.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The most common type of gallstone consists principally of cholesterol.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
This will require data-sharing from other city agencies, principally NYPD.
—Daniela Gilbert, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2026
Of course, bringing the Robertson story to life through that brilliant and vivid sound and music, but principally through incredibly in-depth character interviews.
—Kathleen Rellihan, Outside, 28 Dec. 2025
Located just 480 light years from Earth, this reflection nebula, known as the Taurus Molecular Cloud, is illuminated principally by the three bright stars in the center of the image.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The most common type of gallstone consists principally of cholesterol.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
This will require data-sharing from other city agencies, principally NYPD.
—Daniela Gilbert, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2026
Of course, bringing the Robertson story to life through that brilliant and vivid sound and music, but principally through incredibly in-depth character interviews.
—Kathleen Rellihan, Outside, 28 Dec. 2025
Located just 480 light years from Earth, this reflection nebula, known as the Taurus Molecular Cloud, is illuminated principally by the three bright stars in the center of the image.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principally
Adverb
-
This list is intended chiefly to get the gears of your own moviegoing memories turning.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The Post’s book coverage—chiefly via the beloved Book World section—has long been a gold standard in the industry.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Wednesday’s decision, based mainly on legal technicalities, notes that the company can propose a temporary increase for October 1 under its current investment plan.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
While the popularity of these app-blocking devices increases (Novelli said the company has sold more than 60,000), questions remain about their efficacy when the people who buy them are mainly discovering the devices through the internet—and talking about them on social media.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program primarily helps tax filers with incomes below $69,000, those who are disabled and those who are not proficient in English.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Ramsay primarily used Bongi Hlongwane in that role last season, but Knowles has returned the South African to attacking positions, leaving a void on the right side of defense.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Measles was eliminated in the United States by 2000 but has resurfaced in periodic outbreaks, mostly among people who are not vaccinated.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Marquis said the local branches have opportunities to seek funding from the national group but are mostly encouraged and provided resources on how to fundraise on their own.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The practice is dangerous and largely unregulated, with workers often paid the equivalent of about $18 to $24 for a 10-hour shift.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
He was largely considered to be one of the most clutch kickers of his generation.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
More than 20 candidates, predominantly Republican, filed to run in the special election for the former representative's seat.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
-
When accepting his album of the year award Sunday night, Bad Bunny addressed the crowd predominantly in Spanish and spoke of the strugglesof the immigrant experience.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principally. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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