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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of principal
Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024
During a surprise party celebrating Seymour Skinner’s run as principal of Springfield Elementary for 20 years, a mysterious guest crashes the festivities.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024
There’s more opportunity for growth, but also less principal protection and higher fees.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for principal 
Noun
Jonathon Vento, principal of development company True North Studio, has overseen the renovation of several well known downtown buildings such as The Nash and The Knipe House.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024
During a surprise party celebrating Seymour Skinner’s run as principal of Springfield Elementary for 20 years, a mysterious guest crashes the festivities.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The two principal sessions are Jan. 9 and 16, according to the memo; the presidential inauguration is Jan. 20.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024
There’s more opportunity for growth, but also less principal protection and higher fees.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
Noun
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Since being in the spotlight as a ‘90s child star, Lopez told Fox News Digital how he’s relied on his faith while working in Hollywood.Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 25 Dec. 2024
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The star lends his voice, guitar, and harmonica skills to the soundtrack and has been training for the role for quite some time.Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Visual China Group | Getty Images China kept its main benchmark lending rates unchanged on Friday, as Beijing faces the challenge of bolstering economic growth while backstopping a weakening yuan.Sonia Heng,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
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The prefecture is in the southwestern part of Japan's main island of Honshu.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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So, with all respect to Angele, Mia (aged three and a half) was my chief influence.Monica Ainley, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024
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Probably Marathon becoming the chief priority and Destiny getting even less investment unless there’s some giant hiring spree to bolster Bungie, which seems unlikely.Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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For Lipman, spending quality time with his grandson is his current primary goal for social fitness.Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2024
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Townsend’s departure had a double impact on the Knights, who missed his abilities as a receiver and as the team’s primary kick returner on special teams.Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.Edward Tuorinsky, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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Recovery remains the foremost concern for John Force.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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As a result, the Eagles possessed the ball for 12:58 of the 15 minutes in the third to take a commanding lead.Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
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Others won’t want to commit to Microsoft Azure as their cloud platform, despite Microsoft’s commanding lead in generative AI.Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Chin-Hong said there are two predominant strains of the virus circulating: H1N1 and H3N2, with the latter virus associated with more severe disease, which may be causing the surges of hospitalizations abroad.Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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That’s the predominant note for the first couple tastes, before the whisky gradually opens up into freshly baked bread, vanilla glaze, and Hawaiian sweet rolls.David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Officials were trying to convince the supreme leader to change his mind, according to a second leader who spoke from Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.Brian Cheng, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
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Nasrallah spoke Persian, had lived for a time in Iran, and was the only major figure in the region who considered Iran’s supreme leader to be his spiritual guide.Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near principal
Cite this Entry
“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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