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

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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 That authority coexisted with a doctrine that still placed women primarily in the home. — Sara Harmouch, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 As a public university, ASU could also assert statutory governmental immunity, a legal doctrine protecting public entities from liability in certain circumstances, including some policy-level decisions. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026 The Arab Gulf states, meanwhile, are reworking their security doctrines. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026 What if even the slightest error in doctrine or practice allowed the devil to mislead and damn well-meaning Christians? — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctrine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrine
  1. theology
  2. ideology
  3. principle
  4. philosophy
  5. dogma
Noun
  • Leo’s handling of his cancer is in many ways textbook American-style corporate good governance, applied to the Catholic Church, said Julie Rubio, a professor of Christian social ethics at the Jesuit school of theology at Santa Clara University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Magic needs no congregation, clergy or theology, so believers can adopt it without leaving their church.
    — Ruiqian Li, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of theology
Noun
  • The rise of liberal nationalist movements in Egypt, Syria, and Iran in the early twentieth century, for example, was preceded by the emergence of liberal and nationalist ideologies decades earlier.
    — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
  • It’s driven not by ideology, but by Gen Z, a generation that didn’t experience Soviet realities, yet grew up surrounded by its visual aesthetic.
    — Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of ideology
Noun
  • Without principle, without a moral compass, with no checks and balances, our would-be-dictator is an embarrassing stain on the soul of a once-proud America.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The deeper craft In the age of AI, the value of these principles has never been higher.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • Through this collaboration, Walsh will translate that philosophy into the development of a complete seasonal story for Rebecca Taylor.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Read on for the products, routines, style staples, and parenting philosophies getting her through this season of motherhood.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of philosophy
Noun
  • Boards would be well served to keep the succession yardsticks focused on genuine performance metrics rather than fact-free dogma related to CEO age, longevity or tenure.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Compulsory worship with frightening dogma, which could lead you equally plausibly to heaven or hell.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on doctrine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about doctrine

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