Synonyms of doctrinaire

doctrinaire 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdäk-trə-ˈner 

as in opinionated

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

• opinionated
• dogmatic
• stubborn
• opinionative
• opinioned
• adamant
• pontifical
• 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

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

• liberal
• freethinker
• latitudinarian

2

as in theorist

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

• 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

Parts of the book were devoted to religious fantasy, the doctrinaire blindness of an age in which faith dominated every aspect of life. —David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 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

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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