Synonyms for

Principal

Verb / ˈprɪnsʌpʌl / Another word for principal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The person in charge of a school or organization. Also, the main or most important.

Synonyms & similar words

head primary main lead corpus schoolprincipal dealer principalsum master star chief headteacher headmaster director leader chief boss manager supervisor controller executive administrator main primary central key dominant crucial essential fundamental paramount pivotal

Synonyms by register

Formal

chief primary main leading

Informal

main top head number one

Literary

paramount foremost capital

Antonyms

minor secondary subordinate auxiliary unimportant trivial ancillary

Common collocations

  • principal reason
  • principal cause
  • principal aim
  • principal factor
  • principal office
  • principal amount
  • principal dancer
  • principal investigator

Word family

noun principle
adjective principal

Usage note

As an adjective, 'principal' means most important. As a noun, it can refer to the head of a school or a sum of money. Be careful not to confuse it with 'principle', which means a fundamental truth or belief.

Example sentences

  1. The principal gave a speech at assembly today.
  2. The principal dancer stole the show.
  3. The principal reason for the delay was traffic.
  4. The principal objective of this project is to increase sales.
  5. The principal ingredient in this recipe is sugar.

Quotes

  • The principal office is not a punishment room. It's a place where you can work through problems.
  • The principal goal of education is to create men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.
  • The principal ingredient of life is love.

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