doctrinaire 1 of 2

doctrinaire

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noun

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

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.
Recent Examples of doctrinaire
Adjective
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
Noun
Francis kept Ouellet in the job until 2023, even though he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, and thus helped select the more doctrinaire bishops preferred by the German pontiff. Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 The leadership of the Roman Catholic Church now faces a critical decision: choose a new pope who will follow his welcoming and global approach, or restore the more doctrinaire path of his predecessors. Justin Porter, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doctrinaire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrinaire
Adjective
  • Hank has always been conservative but not dogmatic Hank has always been a reliable conservative, a Reagan man, but was never dogmatic.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Research has linked intellectual humility with many desirable behaviors, including considering others’ perspectives, being better at conflict resolution and being less dogmatic.
    Lauren Keating, Scientific American, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • One of the style’s most contentious points among purists is its pearlescent finish, which has shifted to varying shades over the shoe’s many reissues.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
  • In a repeat of the conflict over H-1B visas, Trump-supporting businesses that rely on immigrant labor are clashing with MAGA purists who see deportation as a key strategy to get higher-paying jobs for Americans.
    Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Near the back of the Buck sat the biological theorist Aubrey de Grey, stroking a beard the size of a beagle.
    Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Much to the disappointment of eager theorists, Paytas' second child, Elvis, was born with no one to reincarnate in May of 2024.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • For Baxter and the stubborn Scot, this marked, at last, the reality of war’s end.
    Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Here’s the case for Scorpio: Wednesday is suss, secretive, brooding, vengeful and stubborn.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Sly had too generous a spirit to be a dogmatist.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Although not a dogmatist, Xi cares deeply about ideology and has even blamed the collapse of the Soviet Union in part on Moscow’s failure to ensure that people took Marxism-Leninism seriously.
    Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2024
Adjective
  • The new media environment seems more opinionated than ever, yet one old debate—dating to the Reagan administration—has come to the fore.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 25 July 2025
  • The famously independent-minded and opinionated showrunner left Los Angeles years ago and now resides at his mammoth 270,000-acre Texas ranch.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Sean Payton is a noted stickler for details, even beyond the normal standards of an obsessive group like professional football coaches.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
  • That's not to say that there aren't sticklers for the old way of doing things: leaving your phone at home or in the car, tucking it in your purse or pocket, turning it off, and at the very least, putting it on silent or vibrate mode.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, Coast Guard officials were adamant that FEMA makes the ultimate decision, and that FEMA’s choices may differ from the Coast Guard’s recommendations.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
  • However, she’s remained adamant that to pull off paying homage to the famed actress, everything must be done right.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doctrinaire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrinaire. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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