variants also dogmatical
as in opinionated
given to or marked by the forceful expression of strongly held opinions a critic's dogmatic insistence that abstract expressionism is the only school of 20th century art worthy of serious study

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dogmatic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dogmatic are dictatorial, doctrinaire, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When is it sensible to use dictatorial instead of dogmatic?

The words dictatorial and dogmatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When is doctrinaire a more appropriate choice than dogmatic?

The words doctrinaire and dogmatic can be used in similar contexts, but doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

Where would magisterial be a reasonable alternative to dogmatic?

The meanings of magisterial and dogmatic largely overlap; however, 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 might oracular be a better fit than dogmatic?

In some situations, the words oracular and dogmatic are roughly equivalent. However, 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 dogmatic Research has linked intellectual humility with many desirable behaviors, including considering others’ perspectives, being better at conflict resolution and being less dogmatic. Lauren Keating, Scientific American, 21 July 2025 In some people, some traits can be excessive; for example, someone of high integrity can turn into a dogmatic and rigid leader. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 16 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 But the general policy was to reframe the Leonine strategy in more inclusive, less dogmatic terms. R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • Weiss, the entrepreneurial and opinionated co-founder of The Free Press website, is an irresistible story to the media chattering classes.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Social media, in Tranter’s view, had been overrun by music listeners (especially gay ones) acting a little too opinionated.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That tone—of pain, of surprise, of a stubborn refusal to be reduced or diminished—is everywhere in it.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
  • If the stain is stubborn, add a few drops of dish soap to the water and vinegar mixture.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The attorney general was adamant that if Running Fence broke the law, workers would be arrested and jailed, and contractors would lose their licenses.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Lownie is adamant that their friendship dates back to 1991.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Even leaving these facts aside, neither the doctrinaire socialism nor militant Islam have ever improved any place on earth, and New York City will not be the first.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Murdoch’s media muscle has been increasingly buttressed by his Wall Street Journal revenues as well as those of the doctrinaire Fox News.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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