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
Cardinal Robert Sarah – championed by conservatives as reflecting the doctrinaire and liturgically minded papacies of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI – is among those being considered to replace Pope Francis. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 24 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
  • The contrast from the dogmatic style of Ange Postecoglou over the previous two seasons is well-established by now.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Ruben Amorim’s dogmatic approach must change Whatever credit Amorim had in the bank has been rapidly used up and his dogmatic devotion to his preferred 3-4-3 formation is starting to grate on many.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her current flavor catalog includes classic sourdough for the purists, blueberry-lemon for a bright twist, cinnamon swirl or cinnamon-raisin for cozy mornings, and even a colorful Funfetti version inspired by her friends’ kids.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • And though true skin-care purists might layer both in a 10-step routine, modern formulas like this one blur the lines—offering the best of both in one silky step.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mamdani majored in Africana studies and wrote his thesis on the post-colonial theorist Frantz Fanon and the Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Alarmed, Augustine hardened his doctrine of grace, becoming its great theorist.
    Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Uninhibited by the European commitments of their rivals following last season’s dreary eighth-place finish, Massimiliano Allegri has wasted no time moulding the Rossoneri into a stubborn outfit that sit within two points of the summit after a 0-0 draw at Juventus before the international break.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That damaging psychic weight of insecurity and self-blame seeps into our society and politics, where polls show a stubborn and longtime trend of declining faith in a better future.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 11 Oct. 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
Noun
  • Learn from the world’s biggest thinkers.
    Big Think, Big Think, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Keeping up with the latest ideas from the world’s top thinkers can be a full-time job.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In very opinionated remarks, Brunello Cucinelli sent a positive message to his company’s partners in the audience.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Hamlin is the uber-talented and equally opinionated elder statesman of the NASCAR Cup Series.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being a stickler for city ordinances, Rader was known to participate heavily in outside activities like leading his son’s Cub Scout group and doing administrative tasks at the Christ Lutheran Church.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Our mother had been a stickler for our family lunches every Sunday.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doctrinaire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrinaire. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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