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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Recent Examples of principle
These books and more have received high praise from many church leaders, who recognize Dr. Joseph’s ability to translate deep biblical principles into practical guidance for everyday believers.
—
Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
The same principles can apply to autoimmune conditions, digestive issues and other chronic symptoms.
—Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
The 12-step program is based on Biblical principles.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
In the exploration phase, deep knowledge allows for meaningful manipulation and novel combinations of knowledge based on the fundamental rules and principles within a field of expertise to produce creative solutions.
—Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
The same principles can apply to autoimmune conditions, digestive issues and other chronic symptoms.
—Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
The 12-step program is based on Biblical principles.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
In the exploration phase, deep knowledge allows for meaningful manipulation and novel combinations of knowledge based on the fundamental rules and principles within a field of expertise to produce creative solutions.
—Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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The only issue with the price Chelsea Women was sold for was that they were bought by their parent company in a move that helped the men’s team comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in 2023-24.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
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The page also accuses federal agencies, including NIH and HHS, of breaking laws and violating rules about transparency and cooperation with Congressional investigation.—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Public Safety Enhancements: Expanding public safety resources and facilities to maintain safety standards as the population grows.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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And even with personnel changes, the standard doesn’t drop.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The memo signed by Rubio also makes the case that another person, whose name is redacted, should be deportable under the same law.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
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This relic of constitutional law, which the Supreme Court hasn’t taken seriously since its quiet death in the New Deal era, is more mythical than historical—holding, more or less, that Congress cannot delegate its lawmaking power to another branch of government.—
Cristian Farias,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Wier initially didn’t receive credit for her connection series in the routine, lowering the start value.—
Henry Chappell,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
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No matter the event, the value always comes back to the relationships between the members and the emphasis on uncovering the value of a holistic approach to ambition and a life well lived.—
Kody Boye,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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