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
Our commitment to this principle is unwavering and founded on the belief that the privacy of American consumers should never be compromised.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Those members found an Ethereum-native platform aligned with Nouns’ decentralization principles and user ownership.
—Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The Hall effect is a principle of magnetic fields discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
That organizing principle helped create a blue wave here in the midterms.
—ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for principle 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Those members found an Ethereum-native platform aligned with Nouns’ decentralization principles and user ownership.
—Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The Hall effect is a principle of magnetic fields discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
That organizing principle helped create a blue wave here in the midterms.
—ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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Each dish will be a fascinating journey through the art of plating: a unique approach that redefines the rules of mise en place, both visually and gastronomically, from breakfast to aperitif.Benedetta Rossi, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
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During this conversation, Domingo broke a major rule of the brotherhood.Selome Hailu, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Givaudan committed to paying for structural damages caused by the explosion, but Leonard was still pressed by residents to address concerns about the company's safety standards.Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
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Prized for their professional discipline and robust service, their staff consistently upholds the highest safety standards, ensuring high-quality fire watch services for events, construction sites, dispensaries, and hot work.Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The 2-1 decision from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge to a similar law in Tennessee, which may ultimately determine whether all such state laws around the country can be enforced.Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
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And in only one case did the delivery person scan the buyer’s ID, as required by federal law.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
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While the team’s dropped one spot from 2023 (switching places with the Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers), the value rose by 35%.Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024
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The Ginori 1735 homeware brand upholds many of the values of timeless Italian beauty and is held near and dear by many global style setters today.Benedetta Rossi, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near principle
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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