Synonyms for principle

Noun

1. principle, rule, generalization, generalisation, generality

usage: 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"

2. principle, value

usage: a rule or standard especially of good behavior; "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles"

3. principle, law, natural law

usage: a basic truth or law or assumption; "the principles of democracy"

4. principle, rule, law, law of nature

usage: 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"

5. principle, precept, rule, prescript

usage: rule of personal conduct

6. rationale, principle, explanation

usage: (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"