Antonyms 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

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

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

Matched Categories

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

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms: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

How to use principle in a sentence?

1. Larry Lessig:

   I’m confident there are about 20 ... seriously considering it, there are some who will do it as a matter of principle; one has already said he will. But most will be in the situation where they won’t make that sacrifice unless there a reason to sacrifice.

2. Samuel Taylor Coleridge:

   The principle of the Gothic architecture is infinity made imaginable.

3. Mikael Ribbenvik:

   If you arrive at an airport and refuse to identify yourself, you won't be allowed in, the same principle applies on the beaches of Sicily.

4. Guy Platten:

   Freedom of navigation is vital for global trade and we encourage all nations to uphold this fundamental principle of maritime law.

5. Albert Schweitzer:

   Reverence for life affords me my fundamental principle of morality.

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