principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld 

-sə-bəld

: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle

—often used in combination

Synonyms

• decent
• ethical
• honest
• honorable
• just
• noble
• respectable
• righteous
• stand-up
• upright
• upstanding

Examples of principled in a Sentence

She took a principled stand on funding public education.

a high-principled art expert who always told clients what he honestly thought their items were worth

Recent Examples on the Web

America is hurtling toward the loss of its democratic institutions and the establishment of an authoritarian state where there will be no civil discussion of these issues at all: That’s what a principled opposition must fight with its full might. —Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025

For students to see not only an institution taking a principled stand against the government of the day but for that stand to be made in Cambridge is deeply meaningful. —Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

For progressives concerned about unchecked presidential authority, this offers a rare opportunity for principled cross-partisan agreement. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

But Miller's critics contend his battle against food inspections and regulation isn’t about making some principled stand against government overreach. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for principled

• unprincipled

Kids Definition

principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld 

-sə-bəld

: based on or marked by principle

high-principled