as in stars
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
my cousin is one of the principals in a new sitcom this fall
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Recent Examples of principals
Wittels, who has been with the gallery off and on since its 1989 launch, and Johnson Montenegro, who joined in 2012, will be promoted to gallery principals.
—
News Desk, Artforum, 15 Jan. 2026
North Carolina requires vaccines without enforcement State law compels North Carolina school principals to require that kindergartners get seven vaccinations within 30 days of the start of the school year.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026
Contact information for principals can be found at each school’s website.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Kim will oversee and direct the actions of the superintendent, principals, and/or governance team; and report back to the agency on district activity and academic progress.
—S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
About five to eight schools receive the laundry machines each year in a program begun by Enchanted Backpack recently after principals and teachers suggested the donation would decrease absenteeism and boost student self-esteem.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Personal business among the principals develops over the course of the season’s three stories (each presented in two episodes); a second series has already been ordered, thanks much.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Most of the escrow and title insurance charges are the principals’ responsibility as well.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Horizon Line principals are Damian Lee and Bennet De Brabandere, whose features as producer, writer or director include Ski School, National Lampoon’s Last Resort, A Dark Truth, Hearts of War and A Fighting Man.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for principals
stars
Noun
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Barring weather conditions, this should allow even the faintest shooting stars to be seen at rates between 50 to 75 meteors per hour.—
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The duo joined stars like Brendan Fraser and Anthony Rapp as competitive prep school students in the 1992 drama School Ties.—
Cite this Entry
“Principals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/principals. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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