doctrinaire 1 of 2

doctrinaire

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective doctrinaire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doctrinaire are dictatorial, dogmatic, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When can dictatorial be used instead of doctrinaire?

While in some cases nearly identical to doctrinaire, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

In what contexts can dogmatic take the place of doctrinaire?

The meanings of dogmatic and doctrinaire largely overlap; however, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When might magisterial be a better fit than doctrinaire?

The synonyms magisterial and doctrinaire are sometimes interchangeable, but magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When is oracular a more appropriate choice than doctrinaire?

The words oracular and doctrinaire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of doctrinaire
Adjective
Back when Republicans were less doctrinaire, few objected to Ronald Reagan’s legalization through legislation on the status of otherwise law-abiding immigrants who crossed illegally or overstayed. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024 This doctrinaire and yet thoroughly generic conception of consciousness is, in itself, a bit depressing. Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024
Noun
Francis kept Ouellet in the job until 2023, even though he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, and thus helped select the more doctrinaire bishops preferred by the German pontiff. Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 The leadership of the Roman Catholic Church now faces a critical decision: choose a new pope who will follow his welcoming and global approach, or restore the more doctrinaire path of his predecessors. Justin Porter, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doctrinaire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrinaire
Adjective
  • One legitimate worry is that some people will be dogmatic and unyielding when courteously informed that AI is not sentient.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Harvard is too hubristic, too fat and prosperous, too insular, too aloof, and too dogmatic to admit that it’s erred ...
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • But this one does…The purists are going to say, 'Hey, shut your mouth.
    EW.com, EW.com, 22 July 2025
  • And while the marque calls this a shooting brake, purists will point out that true shooting brakes only have two doors; what Mercedes has made is a station wagon instead, or an estate car as they’re called in the U.K.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • In 2001, social theorist bell hooks warned about the dangers of a loveless zeitgeist.
    Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 14 July 2025
  • The show’s title references feminist theorist Silvia Federici’s 2018 book Re-enchanting the World: Feminism and the Politics of the Commons.
    Melissa Harris, Artforum, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Sly had too generous a spirit to be a dogmatist.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Although not a dogmatist, Xi cares deeply about ideology and has even blamed the collapse of the Soviet Union in part on Moscow’s failure to ensure that people took Marxism-Leninism seriously.
    Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2024
Adjective
  • No one said the ’05 team wasn’t an opinionated bunch.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Rhea Perlman and Rita Wilson appear as Jess’ highly opinionated, codependent mother and grandmother.
    Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Of course, there are some unrealistic elements in F1, moments that might have sticklers raising an eyebrow, but the film doesn’t feel any less dramatic than the real thing.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
  • Wilson had always been a stickler in the studio, the perfectionist who kept repeating takes, bean-counters be damned, until the song felt right.
    Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doctrinaire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrinaire. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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