principally

[prin-suh-puh-lee, -sip-lee] / ˈprɪn sə pə li, -sɪp li /

ADVERB

mainly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basically chiefly first and foremost generally importantly largely mostly notably particularly predominantly

STRONG

primarily

WEAK

above all before anything else cardinally dominantly eminently especially essentially first of all for the most part fundamentally in the first place in the main materially peculiarly preeminently prevailingly prevalently substantially superlatively supremely to a great degree universally vitally

Antonyms

WEAK

secondarily trivially

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.

And U.S. agencies that handle border security, principally Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, have big budgets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Kaneva said most of the crude passing through the strait was headed for Asia, principally China.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

This is largely because more than 1,200 amendments have been tabled in the House of Lords, principally from opponents to the legislation.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

This came after Patel’s team assured the press that he was principally in Milan for a variety of very important national security meetings.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

“Exactly so; that is what principally strikes me. So much superadded decision of character! Skilful has been the hand!”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

principally

Example Sentences

Related Words