Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

He retained the job through 1995, and then became the ensemble’s principal guest conductor until assuming the role of conductor laureate in 2016.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“Right place, right time,” the orchestra’s principal pianist, Robin Sutherland, said .

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Since the principal limit accounts for the estimated length of the loan, the older your age, the more cash you’ll be able to receive.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Russell's relationship with Verstappen on and off-track has always had extra bite because Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for the Dutchman.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The principal may be in charge, but ReelTok is a celebrity.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Vocabulary lists containing principal

Some Tricky Homonyms

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

A Graduation Lexicon

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!