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
The church plans to continue upholding core Baptist principles, including congregational autonomy free from a hierarchy, a free pulpit and religious freedom, Hudson said.
—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2026
Applying these principles, the Guild court first ruled Guild employees at all levels owed Guild loyalty during their employment.
—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2026
Everything is structured around 10 core principles known as the Magic 10, which are designed to force the body to adapt.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 June 2026
Today's ruling affirms a principle that has underpinned sound economic stewardship for generations.
—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2026
Applying these principles, the Guild court first ruled Guild employees at all levels owed Guild loyalty during their employment.
—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2026
Everything is structured around 10 core principles known as the Magic 10, which are designed to force the body to adapt.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 June 2026
Today's ruling affirms a principle that has underpinned sound economic stewardship for generations.
—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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The board removed its previous time limit rule at public comment sessions during board meetings when more than 20 speakers are signed up.
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For county-specific labels like Napa or Sonoma, the 75% rule applies.
Noun
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In March, the administration filed a new lawsuit again trying to block California’s ability to set stricter-than-federal emissions standards for cars.
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And an Air Quality Alert was issued midday Thursday, due to ground level ozone concentrations reaching unhealthy standards, NWS forecasters say.
Noun
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Beginning Monday, the focus shifts to whether there is enough evidence for a trial and if the death penalty is warranted, said Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge.
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And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
Noun
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Household incomes average $376,741, and home values average $2 million.
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The Central African country is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and controls vast stores of copper, gold, and lithium; its mining sector is estimated to hold $24 trillion of mineral value.
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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