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Showing results for principal. Search instead for Principals.
Definitions

principal

[prin-suh-puhl] / ˈprɪn sə pəl /
ADJECTIVE
most important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dominant key leading main major outstanding paramount predominant preeminent primary prime prominent
STRONG
arch capital cardinal champion chief essential first head maximum premier sovereign star superior
WEAK
controlling crowning foremost greatest highest incomparable mainline matchless peerless prevailing second to none stellar strongest supereminent supreme transcendent unapproachable unequaled unparalleled unrivaled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
inconspicuous inessential inferior insignificant last lesser minor nonessential ordinary secondary subordinate trivial unimportant unknown
STRONG
auxiliary least lower poor
WEAK
extra
NOUN
person in charge of organization, often an educational one
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator boss chief dean director superintendent
STRONG
exec head lead leader preceptor protagonist rector ruler star
WEAK
key player
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee worker
STRONG
commoner follower
WEAK
interest
NOUN
original amount of property either owned or owed
Synonyms
STRONG
assets capital money
WEAK
capital funds
Antonyms
WEAK
interest

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Occidental said higher oil prices are supporting its goal to reduce its principal debt to $10 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Most I-bond experts recommend that people be in this for the long haul and develop a layered strategy for their nest eggs that protects the principal.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, also said that the Blues being in the Premier League puts "Ipswich in the global spotlight".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

“The principal risk is a sustained period of triple-digit oil prices,” he writes.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Another Jewish student, Marianne Silberberg, recalled the day her principal told her that she could no longer attend school.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Vocabulary lists containing principal

Some Tricky Homonyms

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A Graduation Lexicon

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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!