principal 1 of 2

noun

ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principal (audio)
Definition of principalnext
as in star
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show my cousin is one of the principals in a new sitcom this fall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

principal

2 of 2

adjective

ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principal (audio)
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance our principal reason for coming here today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority the principal researcher in the company's chemical division

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of principal
Noun
Robert Snyder is the new principal at Munster High School, and his predecessor Morgan Nolan will be shifting to a central office role in operations. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 30 June 2026
Adjective
Pre-production is underway, with principal photography set to begin in July, with a launch on Prime Video Nordics in 2027. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 July 2026 Emily LaMarque is the principal designer and founder of Emily LaMarque Design Studio. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for principal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principal
  1. star
  2. main
  3. chief
  4. primary
  5. foremost
  6. predominant
  7. commanding
  8. dominant
Noun
  • The garment, rooted in West Asian culture, has been embraced with open arms by resortwear for decades, especially once it was brought into Western fashion in the 1950s by stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • All three games of series were sellouts — a testament to the fandom of the two-time defending World Series champions and the team’s international baseball star, Ohtani.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of star
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for ADF, pointed to Cross’s alleged experience as one of the human costs behind the legal fight.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Haley enlisted in the Coast Guard at 17 and retired as its chief journalist in 1959.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    — Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Matthew Harmon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, representing law enforcement, the predominant users of ALPRs in the area.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Definition of predominant
Adjective
  • And beyond all the light and magic of their goals, this was just a very commanding team performance.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • The venue falls within the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, whose commanding officer was reassigned last week amid an internal affairs corruption probe.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of commanding
Adjective
  • Then Ryan played his part in achieving those goals Sunday, posting a dominant performance in New York.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Angels dropped their fifth straight and 11th in 17 games, while Gray’s six-game run of dominant quality starts continues despite an All-Star snub.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of dominant

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principal
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Cite this Entry

“Principal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of principal for Spanish Speakers

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