doctrinal

adjective

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

Examples of doctrinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For them, suspicion of medical abuses continues, even as no doctrinal mandate per se rejects modern medical interventions. Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 This doctrinal stance shaped Beijing’s early response. John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026 What are its doctrinal objectives if not colorblindness? Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026 His rigorist doctrinal chief, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger—the future Benedict XVI—had moved to restrict Gutiérrez and other liberation theologians, leading to a standoff with CELAM, which had a long history with him. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 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 15 Mar. 2026.

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