dogma

noun

dog·​ma ˈdȯg-mə How to pronounce dogma (audio)
ˈdäg-
plural dogmas also dogmata ˈdȯg-mə-tə How to pronounce dogma (audio)
ˈdäg-
1
a
: something held as an established opinion
especially : a definite authoritative tenet
b
: a code of such tenets
pedagogical dogma
c
: a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds
2
: a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church

Examples of dogma in a Sentence

The Saudi regime has tried to deflect questions about its management of the country … by supporting and spreading an uncompromising religious dogma. Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2001
He was known for his ability to burst the bubble of generally accepted dogma, to puncture it with data and detached observations. Sherwin B. Nuland, New Republic, 19 Feb. 2001
It had long been biological dogma that whales were scarce in the open ocean, but the Navy was picking up whale songs thousands of miles from land. Sharon Begley et al., Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2000
For in creating a cultural orthodoxy designed to combat racism, urban disorder, and a legacy of oppression, we subject ourselves to delusional dogma, the tyranny of conformity … Gerald Early, Harper's, January 1997
These new findings challenge the current dogma in the field. the Catholic dogma of the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The founder of Verdad Advisers argues that the true edge in investing comes from fundamentals over forecasts, humility over hubris, and demonstrated rules over dogma. Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 But this support veered toward dogma, and had a pope: Fauci, or St. Anthony Fauci, as votive candles bearing his likeness called him. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 Like its 1995 predecessor, Dogma 25 is underpinned by a stringent vow of chastity and ten dogmas that set strict creative and production rules. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 In ’25, new dogmas are created, now in a world of war and uncertainty. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogma

Word History

Etymology

Latin dogmat-, dogma, from Greek, from dokein to seem — more at decent

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dogma was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Dogma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogma. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dogma

noun
dog·​ma ˈdȯg-mə How to pronounce dogma (audio)
ˈdäg-
plural dogmas also dogmata -mət-ə How to pronounce dogma (audio)
1
: something considered as an established opinion
2
: a belief or body of beliefs concerning faith or morals laid down by a church

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