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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.

The school principal Jenny Lendrum said that all pupils access work and other information through the C2K system.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The two picks were named co-CEOs while Overdeck and Siegel remained Two Sigma’s principal owners and co-chairmen, maintaining indirect control over the firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“The kids are so excited to have high school students here to run the ceremony,” Maple principal Meghann O’Weger said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

If properly managed and funded, after five years, “all of the principal will be deemed an unavailable asset if you apply for Medicaid.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

“You know what the problem is,” snapped the principal.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.