Synonyms of doctrinaire

doctrinaire 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdäk-trə-ˈner 

as in dogmatic

given to or marked by the forceful expression of strongly held opinions

a doctrinaire conservative, the columnist takes special delight in baiting liberals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dogmatic
• stubborn
• opinionated
• adamant
• dogmatical
• opinionative
• pontifical
• opinioned
• rigid
• obstinate
• mulish
• unbending
• obdurate
• pertinacious
• implacable
• self-opinionated
• adamantine
• pigheaded
• inflexible
• hardheaded
• perverse
• headstrong
• unyielding
• self-willed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undogmatic
• latitudinarian
• receptive
• open
• undoctrinaire
• broadminded
• open-minded

doctrinaire

2 of 2

noun

1

as in purist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purist
• dogmatist
• stickler
• partizan
• sectarian
• fanatic
• bigot
• partisan
• nationalist
• dogmatizer
• chauvinist
• jingoist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberal
• freethinker
• latitudinarian

2

as in theorist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theorist
• thinker
• perfectionist
• optimist
• Pollyanna
• reformer
• sentimentalist
• do-gooder
• idealist
• Micawber
• romanticist
• romantic
• ideologue
• emotionalist
• daydreamer
• idealogue
• dreamer
• visionary
• Don Quixote
• utopian
• fantasizer
• woolgatherer
• idealizer
• fantast

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• realist
• pragmatist
• defeatist
• pessimist
• cynic
• empiricist
• hardnose
• empiric

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective doctrinaire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doctrinaire are dictatorial, dogmatic, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When can dictatorial be used instead of doctrinaire?

While in some cases nearly identical to doctrinaire, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

In what contexts can dogmatic take the place of doctrinaire?

The meanings of dogmatic and doctrinaire largely overlap; however, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When might magisterial be a better fit than doctrinaire?

The synonyms magisterial and doctrinaire are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is oracular a more appropriate choice than doctrinaire?

The words oracular and doctrinaire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Recent Examples of doctrinaire

Adjective

In 2024, that worked, but the coalition that powered Trump’s victory drew heavily from those less engaged in politics and who ranged, ideologically, from doctrinaire social conservatives, such as Vance, to contrarian ex-liberals, such as Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024

Its leaders become priests who shepherd their flocks according to the doctrinaire agenda of their faith. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

Noun

Back when Republicans were less doctrinaire, few objected to Ronald Reagan’s legalization through legislation on the status of otherwise law-abiding immigrants who crossed illegally or overstayed. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024

This doctrinaire and yet thoroughly generic conception of consciousness is, in itself, a bit depressing. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024

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