principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld 

-sə-bəld

: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle

—often used in combination

Synonyms

• decent
• ethical
• honest
• honorable
• just
• noble
• respectable
• righteous
• stand-up
• upright
• upstanding

Examples of principled in a Sentence

She took a principled stand on funding public education.

a high-principled art expert who always told clients what he honestly thought their items were worth

Recent Examples on the Web

Reality has traits from both of them—her father’s principled and confrontational candor, her mother’s practicality and precision. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2024

Perhaps a record of principled work for others should outweigh a record of selfish ambition. —Keenan Robbins, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Coach Snyder can be characterized as a transformational leader, a principled individual who empowered his teams through changing culture, providing mentorship, and building community. —Mark Lasota, Ph.d., Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Jean Dujardin returns in a principled conservative vision. —Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld 

-sə-bəld

: based on or marked by principle

high-principled