doctrine

noun

ˈdäk-trən How to pronounce doctrine (audio)
Definition of doctrinenext
1
as in theology
a statement or body of statements concerning faith or morals proclaimed by a church the Catholic Church's doctrine on the Eucharist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ideology
the basic beliefs or guiding principles of a person or group the doctrine of quantum physicists

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 doctrine Catholic doctrine holds that Mary’s virginity was preserved before, during, and after childbirth. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 But the doctrine remains the best way for American presidents to decide why and how to go to war, in the Middle East and elsewhere. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026 But the Kirtland church community soon experienced schisms and conflicts over doctrine, money and authority. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 The doctrine holds that civil courts may not decide internal religious disputes involving church governance. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctrine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrine
  1. theology
  2. ideology
  3. principle
  4. philosophy
  5. dogma
Noun
  • Sullivan said schools of theology are particularly good places to study the ethics of AI.
    — Yonat Shimron, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The puzzle of how to marry theology and extraterrestrial life predates the current surge in UAP disclosures.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of theology
Noun
  • American scientific leadership was built by allowing evidence to prevail over ideology.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Taliban’s madrasahs, meanwhile, are teaching the next generation to adhere to the group’s hardline ideology.
    — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of ideology
Noun
  • The agency issued nonbinding guidelines for dosing studies in 2024 and has incorporated Project Optimus principles into the approval process for new cancer drugs, said Health and Human Services spokesperson Emily Hilliard.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Lampard’s Coventry absolutely have tactical principles and ideas which suit underdog football and survival.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • But Mamdani’s animating political philosophy is to use government to solve everyday problems in people’s lives.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Even Fierezza’s name is significant, as it was chosen to represent Lamborghini’s engineering prowess, design philosophy, and Italian identity.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of philosophy
Noun
  • The dogma has it that what California is doing today, the rest of the United States will be doing tomorrow; and, of course, whatever the United States is doing tomorrow, the whole world will be doing the day after.
    — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • The assertion, if true, would overturn decades of cosmic dogma.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 9 July 2026
Definition of dogma

Browse Nearby Words

doctrinal
doctrine
doctrines
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Cite this Entry

“Doctrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrine. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on doctrine

Nglish: Translation of doctrine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about doctrine

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