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
Carrie Jackson’s journey into healthcare reflects the founding principles of her services.
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Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Christie, who played for the Kings from 2000-05 at the height of their success under Rick Adelman, still espouses the principles that defined Sacramento’s style at that time.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025
While some basic car-owning principles carry over, like maintaining the correct tire pressure and driving your vehicle regularly to keep it in good shape, others are a whole new world.
—Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Context: Quantum computing is bleeding-edge stuff, applying the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computing tasks far too difficult for traditional computing.
—Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for principle 
Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Christie, who played for the Kings from 2000-05 at the height of their success under Rick Adelman, still espouses the principles that defined Sacramento’s style at that time.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025
While some basic car-owning principles carry over, like maintaining the correct tire pressure and driving your vehicle regularly to keep it in good shape, others are a whole new world.
—Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Context: Quantum computing is bleeding-edge stuff, applying the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computing tasks far too difficult for traditional computing.
—Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for principle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principle
Noun
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The new rules aim to close loopholes that would allow countries like China and Russia — which are already subject to existing semiconductor trade restrictions — to obtain or develop their own AI technology.Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 13 Jan. 2025
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However, his backers in Silicon Valley could also see the rules as an undue burden on their ability to export products.AFP, Fortune Asia, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Even if China did support U.S. accession, Beijing’s membership in the pact would make Washington more hesitant to sign up, out of concern that China was not fully complying with existing standards and would be in a position to dominate future rule setting.Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
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Companies pay a fee for their products to be analyzed by the Clean Label Project, which offers them a certification if standards are met.Korin Miller, Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Under federal law, the plaintiff must show that CNN acted with malice in its report.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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The states with the worst showing on the U-Haul index, as with the Census interstate migration data, also tend to be those without a Right-to-Work law.Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Today, due to falling LCFS credit value, biogas credits from one cow are worth closer to $1,600 annually.Kenny Torrella, Vox, 13 Jan. 2025
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But there are big stumbling blocks, including the narrow window to reach a deal and the widely varied value of the app.Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near principle
Cite this Entry
“Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principle. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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