principled

adjective

prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
Synonyms of principlednext
: exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle
—often used in combination

Synonyms of principled

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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
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And that's a very, very big problem for Democrats who are trying to make principled arguments. — ABC News, 17 May 2026 Finding a principled billionaire is admittedly hard to come by. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026 The problem with the theory of Warsh as a principled inflation fighter is that, as his statements over the past year or so make clear, his views have been all over the place. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 In San Jose, Cohen has developed a reputation as a principled realist who has pursued progress over purity. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for principled

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of principled was in 1635

Rhymes for principled

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Browse Nearby Words

principle
principled
principle of acceleration
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Cite this Entry

“Principled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/principled. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

principled

adjective
prin·​ci·​pled ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld How to pronounce principled (audio)
-sə-bəld
: based on or marked by principle
high-principled
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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