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.
Repentant change and forgiveness for misconduct are not merely doctrinal concepts involving words only. Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Vermeer’s faith in painting is quiet, not doctrinal but devotional. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 2 July 2025 Leo, who is fluent in Spanish, Italian and English, was named pope amid growing ideological divides within the Catholic hierarchy, with cardinals split over whether to continue the more inclusive direction charted by Francis or return to stricter doctrinal enforcement. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 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 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 19 Aug. 2025.

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