as in rule
something (such as a belief or value) that helps a person know what is right and wrong and that influences their actions
He refused to participate on principle. It is against her principles to steal.
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Recent Examples of principle
Housing is a fundamental right, and our laws should uphold that principle.
—
Lydia Edwards, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025
Chinese officials argue that U.S. restrictions distort global supply chains and run counter to principles of fair competition.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Hostinger's templates adhere to the responsive design principle, so your site resizes itself to look good on desktop or mobile screens.
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 July 2025
Marine animals can use a similar principle, but in the water with currents.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Lydia Edwards, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025
Chinese officials argue that U.S. restrictions distort global supply chains and run counter to principles of fair competition.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Hostinger's templates adhere to the responsive design principle, so your site resizes itself to look good on desktop or mobile screens.
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 July 2025
Marine animals can use a similar principle, but in the water with currents.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
What if my neighbor doesn't follow Milwaukee's rules about weeds and grass?—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
-
Her charges, as a rule, have been greatly comforted in their final moments.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Many such items require special permits and must meet strict health and safety standards.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
Finding accessible restrooms and lodging with consistent standards remains a major hurdle for wheelchair users.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Tuscaloosa's first brewpub, opening after Alabama passed a 2009 gourmet beer law, spotlights musicians, writers and other artists in its Moon Room, serves stylized pub food with indoor-outdoor dining and offers classic pinball, video and board games inside.—
Susan Stapleton,
The Tennessean,
31 July 2025
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In 1965: In a landmark moment for health care, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed amendments to the Social Securities Act of 1935 into law, creating two federal health programs: Medicare and Medicaid.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Bathroom renovations can improve mood, functionality, and home value.—
Lennie Omalza,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
-
The heat dome created by high pressure has been influencing the weather over the eastern third of the country, causing heat index values of 105 to 110 in cities across the Deep South like Little Rock, Memphis and New Orleans.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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