principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle
often used in combination

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, Owens deserves our praise for not only an exemplary career in journalism, but for his principled stance against the Trump administration’s attack on First Amendment rights. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2025 But legal scholars who found the rationales unconvincing said there is no principled reason for treating the Fed differently than the labor boards under a series of Supreme Court rulings that have upheld for-cause protections for certain agencies. John Kruzel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 And although Peter fought for the rebel cause and now languishes in a Union prison camp, that principled act has led others to suspect his wife of less than ironclad loyalty. Alida Becker, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Their parents put a premium on intellectual curiosity, academic achievement and leading an ethically principled life. Serge F. Kovaleski, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for principled

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of principled was in 1635

Cite this Entry

“Principled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/principled. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

principled

adjective
prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
: based on or marked by principle
high-principled
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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