as in star
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
my cousin is one of the principals in a new sitcom this fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
our principal reason for coming here today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the principal researcher in the company's chemical division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principal
Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025
Mardi Gras is truly a global phenomenon and every celebration is different, even if they are all tied to the liturgical calendar and the same principal of wild revelry.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025
Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
As one of today’s principal architects of R&B, what’s your take on the state of the genre in 2025?
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for principal 
Noun
Paula Cook, the school’s principal, said grief counseling would be made available to students this week in a message to families.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025
Mardi Gras is truly a global phenomenon and every celebration is different, even if they are all tied to the liturgical calendar and the same principal of wild revelry.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
But her partner that night was Denis Villeneuve, not Guadagnino, which speaks to a unique hurdle faced by the tennis drama: Its principal players were all juggling multiple projects.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
As one of today’s principal architects of R&B, what’s your take on the state of the genre in 2025?
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
-
Yet, far from being overshadowed by the star’s appearance, Owens enjoyed plenty of additional attention for his new designs — in particular, a pair of knee-high boots heaving with a plume of feathery leather strips.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN,
24 Jan. 2025
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If not, the San Francisco Giants are another top suitor who could swoop in and steal the star from New York.—
Zach Pressnell,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The sanctuary room will be the center’s main attraction and is expected to bring in around 175 to 250 people on the first Sunday of the month, when the largest meetings are scheduled to take place.—
Stephanie Lam,
The Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2025
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The provision will overburden the already congested main runway at DCA and, as shown by a recent near-collision at the airport, increase the risk of a serious accident there.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Pepper the mini chocolate dachshund was also sworn in as the mayor's chief deputy.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
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Keim’s chief concern, understandably, was the Leland Burns House, which Moore designed in 1972, and which the foundation maintains.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Houston’s primary return in the Pressly trade would be salary relief and some flexibility for other acquisitions.—
Sahadev Sharma,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Her primary musical foil is longtime collaborator Koreless, there are also contributions from Marius de Vries (Bjork), Ojivolta (Kanye West, Rose) and many others, although most of the big-name hitmakers (Jeff Bhasker, Stargate, Stuart Price) only pop in for a song or two.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Sophie Alcorn,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
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The evening will be hosted by Young, and will feature readings from some of the foremost poetic voices in America.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Post dropped 20 points in a commanding win over the Bulls, outplaying the stretch-five prototype Nikola Vucevic on the other side.—
Danny Emerman,
The Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2025
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This cruiser sports a fierce design, more power, and a commanding presence.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2000, Smithfield Foods, the state’s predominant producer of hogs, agreed to pay $1 per hog produced in the state — for a total of up to $2 million — into a fund, with part of that money used to research more environmentally friendly ways of handling hog waste.—
Gavin Off,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2025
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Still, the predominant thought was his interview was a push by the Bears to fulfill the NFL’s Rooney Rule as the team positions itself to make a head coaching hire.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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California's State Constitution very clearly says the the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA TODAY,
24 Jan. 2025
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Makeup lovers will appreciate this iconic Inglot formula that still reigns supreme—a true rite of passage for any professional makeup artist.—
Siena Gagliano,
Allure,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near principal
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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