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
Designed with Place2Be’s therapeutic principles in mind, the space promotes emotional regulation, sensory exploration and creative play.
—
Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
The Kremlin, for its part, has urged the Ukrainians to come to Moscow, knowing Zelensky would not agree to that venue out of principle.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
This is certainly not about the principles of Olympism, which are founded on fairness and the support of peace.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
The Rockies are applying these principles.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
The Kremlin, for its part, has urged the Ukrainians to come to Moscow, knowing Zelensky would not agree to that venue out of principle.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
This is certainly not about the principles of Olympism, which are founded on fairness and the support of peace.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
The Rockies are applying these principles.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
-
Nanos claimed Cross campaigned against him while wearing his Pima County Sheriff's uniform in breach of department rules, which Cross denied.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Congress can add rules for federal races.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
While that is the standard that would be considered in a civil case, local investigators are also looking into whether any state laws were violated.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the days after the Bondi Beach massacre – allegedly committed by a father and son who had embraced Islamic State ideology – the government announced sweeping new gun laws, tougher rules on hate speech, and stronger powers for the home affairs minister to cancel visas on character grounds.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
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These include physical resilience, self-defense, marksmanship, map reading, and military law.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump has instead argued for protecting existing owners who have watched the values of their homes climb.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
This is why sports retain the rare commercial value as live programming.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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