principal Synonyms
Another word for principal
• noun (Context 1)
The person with the highest authority or most important position in an organization, institution, or group, especially the head of an elementary or secondary school.
"The high school headmistress addressed the graduating class during the commencement ceremony."
• adjective (Context 2)
First in order of importance; main or chief.
"The country's main export is coffee, which accounts for nearly half of its foreign trade revenue."
• noun (Context 3)
An original sum of money lent or invested, on which interest is paid, as distinct from the interest or profit itself.
"By making extra monthly payments, the homeowners managed to pay down the capital on their mortgage much faster."
• noun (Context 4)
The leading performer in a concert, play, ballet, or opera, or the first chair player of an orchestral section.
"After dancing in the corps de ballet for five years, she was promoted to lead with the national company."
• noun (Context 5)
A person directly responsible for a crime, or a party who empowers another to act as their legal agent in a transaction.
"Under contract law, an agent has a fiduciary duty to act in the best financial interest of the client."
Opposites of principal
The opposite of principal shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: