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 Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Deployment and engagement decisions, however, will remain under human control and within existing doctrine and legal frameworks. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 The Vatican’s doctrine office went above and beyond the minimum sanctions foreseen by the church’s canon law to respond to the consecrations Wednesday of four new bishops at the society’s Econe, Switzerland, seminary. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 Decades later a baseball player, Curt Flood, challenged the exemption, but in 1972, the Supreme Court upheld the exemption under the doctrine of stare decisis. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctrine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrine
  1. theology
  2. ideology
  3. principle
  4. philosophy
  5. dogma
Noun
  • Instead, there are countless influencers, preachers, and personalities who have created niche movements with their own theologies and political alignments.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 2026
  • Though our congregations differ in theology and practice, we are united by enduring religious teachings that call upon us to care for the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, pursue justice, protect creation, and seek peace.
    — Killingly-Brooklyn Interfaith Council, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
Definition of theology
Noun
  • This tactical ideology is what gives Morocco an edge, understanding what works so well in Europe and adapting it to their player pool.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Through mandatory patriotic education campaigns, monks and nuns are required to study CCP ideology, Chinese law, and the speeches of Xi Jinping.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of ideology
Noun
  • Through the legal principle known as respondeat superior, employers are generally liable for actions committed by their employees when the employee acts within the scope of their employment.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • The same principle applies to medical devices, diagnostics, digital health technologies, and vaccines.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • The publisher framed the fix as better communication rather than a change of philosophy, and Insider Gaming reported that more monetization is coming across EA's slate.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • When Wilson works out with weights, those were also chosen in collaboration with the actor, which is in keeping with McCall’s philosophy that the actors should feel like their surroundings are extensions of the characters.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of philosophy
Noun
  • The assertion, if true, would overturn decades of cosmic dogma.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 9 July 2026
  • But, in a postwar intellectual climate of scientism and dogma, Trilling saw the novel’s cultural status decline.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
Definition of dogma

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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 17 Jul. 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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