Synonyms for principle
ˈprɪn sə pəlprin·ci·ple

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. principlenoun

   Moral rule or aspect.

   Synonyms:
   tenet

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. principle

   Doctrine primarily signifies that which is taught; principle, the fundamental basis on which the teaching rests. A doctrine is reasoned out, and may be defended by reasoning; a dogma rests on authority, as of direct revelation, the decision of the church, etc. A doctrine or dogma is a statement of some one item of belief; a creed is a summary of doctrines or dogmas. Dogma has commonly, at the present day, an offensive signification, as of a belief arrogantly asserted. Tenet is simply that which is held, and is applied to a single item of belief; it is a neutral word, neither approving nor condemning; we speak of the doctrines of our own church; of the tenets of others. A precept relates not to belief, but to conduct. Compare FAITH; LAW.

   Synonyms:
   article of belief, article of faith, belief, doctrine, dogma, precept, teaching, tenet

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.7 / 6 votes

1. principle

   Synonyms:
   source, origin, motive, cause, energy, substance, element, power, faculty, truth, tenet, law, doctrine, axiom, maxim, postulate, rule

   Antonyms:
   exhibition, manifestation, application, development, issue, exercise, operation, formation, action

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. principle, rulenoun

   a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

   "their principles of composition characterized all their works"

   Synonyms:
   precept, rationale, convention, rule, normal, pattern, ruler, prescript, regulation, formula, linguistic rule, dominion

2. principlenoun

   a rule or standard especially of good behavior

   "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles"

   Synonyms:
   rationale, precept, rule

3. principlenoun

   a basic truth or law or assumption

   "the principles of democracy"

   Synonyms:
   rationale, precept, rule

4. principle, rulenoun

   a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

   "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"

   Synonyms:
   precept, rationale, convention, rule, normal, pattern, ruler, prescript, regulation, formula, linguistic rule, dominion

5. principle, preceptnoun

   rule of personal conduct

   Synonyms:
   rationale, precept, commandment, teaching, rule

6. rationale, principlenoun

   (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)

   "the rationale for capital punishment"; "the principles of internal-combustion engines"

   Synonyms:
   rationale, precept, rule

Matched Categories

1. • Explanation
   • Generalization
   • Law
   • Rule
   • Value

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. principlenoun

   Synonyms:
   origin, source, cause, spring, mainspring, fountain, groundwork, prime mover, fountain-head

2. principlenoun

   Synonyms:
   element, substratum, fundamental or primordial substance

3. principlenoun

   Synonyms:
   postulate, axiom, law, elementary proposition, fundamental truth

4. principlenoun

   Synonyms:
   doctrine, tenet, dogma, opinion, maxim, rule

5. principlenoun

   Synonyms:
   ground, motive, reason

6. principlenoun

   Synonyms:
   integrity, uprightness, rectitude, probity, honesty, virtue, righteousness, incorruptibility, goodness, trustworthiness, trustiness, worth, honor

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "principle":

   principles, beginning, principled, outset, premise, principe, concept, start, tenet, doctrine, rule, assumption, theory, principal, basis, idea, notion

Suggested Resources

1. Principle

   Principle vs. Principal -- In this Grammar.com article you will learn the differences between the words Principle and Principal.

2. Principle

   Principal vs. Principle -- In this Grammar.com article you will learn the differences between the words Principal and Principle.

How to pronounce principle?

How to say principle in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use principle in a sentence?

1. Peter Neumann:

   It has been framed as an attack on a principle, rather than a specific target.

2. Murat Belge:

   Erdogan is quite determined to create a new society where there is no principle of the separation of powers.

3. Heshmat Alavi:

   Whenever the Iranian regime becomes the target of a firm policy, this plays into the interests of the Iranian people and revives a nearly four-decade dispute, (The) principle here is the fact that the Iranian people want regime change and are taking major steps towards this objective.

4. Chris Christie:

   I know Steve. Steve is a very bright guy, i got to work with him during the campaign. I think he was a big help to the President during the campaign and everything I saw he was involved in, but staff are there to serve the principle.

5. George Washington:

   I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.