In principle
In principle adverb - With regard to fundamentals although not concerning details.
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Synonyms for In principle
Rather and in principle are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Rather" instead an adverb phrase "In principle".
Rather
Rather adverb - By choice or preference.
In principle and rather are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "In principle" instead an adverb "Rather".
Both terms in one sentence
- But that's not because it's bad in principle but rather because it has a tendency to have unforeseen bad consequences.
Source: Useful Notes / Ethical Hedonism - Littlefinger being the most beholden to Realpolitik in principle and practice shows that Machiavellian tactics, playing off alliances on necessity and interest rather than bonds of love and common ideals work.
Cite this Source
Rather and In principle. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_principle/rather
In principle & Rather. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_principle/rather>.
Rather or In principle. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_principle/rather.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "in principle" and "rather" have occurred on timeline