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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of principle
Exercises independent judgment in the application of the principles and practices of planning, design, construction and administration of a variety of construction projects.
—
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
One salient paragraph reads: The Tribune believes in the traditional principles of limited government; maximum individual responsibility; and minimum restriction of personal liberty, opportunity and enterprise.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
This guiding principle led to the creation and later expansion of every government health-care law in the past 75 years -- Medicare for the elderly, Medicaid for the low income, veterans health, Indian health, and of course Obamacare.
—Ryan Ellis, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
Always rooted in function and classic design principles, the firm aims to create spaces that gain patina and always feel timeless.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
One salient paragraph reads: The Tribune believes in the traditional principles of limited government; maximum individual responsibility; and minimum restriction of personal liberty, opportunity and enterprise.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
This guiding principle led to the creation and later expansion of every government health-care law in the past 75 years -- Medicare for the elderly, Medicaid for the low income, veterans health, Indian health, and of course Obamacare.
—Ryan Ellis, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
Always rooted in function and classic design principles, the firm aims to create spaces that gain patina and always feel timeless.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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Here's one of the best rules of an organized home: Everything should have a place.—
Zoe Gowen,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2025
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Yet even though the Catalans finally returned to the 1:1 rule under Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits at the turn of 2025, that never amounted to anything serious or concrete as the England international wound up at Premier League rival Aston Villa instead.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Apple has already discontinued the current SE and iPhone 14 in the European Union as the products do not conform with local laws requiring USB Type-C charging standard.—
Akash Sriram,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Another has reintroduced a bill to require data center projects meet certain energy efficiency standards in order to receive tax credits.—
CalMatters,
The Mercury News,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This law has protected disabled people in schools, workplaces, hospitals, and out in their communities for over 50 years.—
Rebekah Taussig,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
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Following calls to reduce the regulatory burden imposed on businesses, the European Union is poised to reform a series of laws passed under the EU Green Deal that required businesses to address climate change.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Brings a ton of defensive value, defensive versatility, really good baserunner.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
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Good value and salesmanship are no longer enough to get in the door.—
Jason Phillips,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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