doctrinal

adjective

doc·​trin·​al ˈdäk-trə-nᵊl How to pronounce doctrinal (audio)
especially British
däk-ˈtrī- How to pronounce doctrinal (audio)
: of, relating to, or preoccupied with doctrine
doctrinally adverb

Examples of doctrinal in a Sentence

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.
New events are affecting the SBC's nearly 20-year trend of declining membership, such as a doctrinal fight over women pastors. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025 His selection would likely prioritize doctrinal rigidity and regime stability, appealing to those who value quiet influence over public stature. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 In a doctrinal publication issued on the topic, NAR apostle Lou Engle articulated that position. Odette Yousef, NPR, 21 June 2025 He is largely perceived to agree with the late Pope on doctrinal issues, and has supported the late Pope’s hopes for larger reforms in the Catholic Church. Chad De Guzman, Time, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doctrinal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctrinal was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Doctrinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctrinal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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