1
as in theologies
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 ideologies
the basic beliefs or guiding principles of a person or group
the doctrine of quantum physicists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of doctrines
If significantly Greek, then the question becomes how philosophical—and, more specifically, how Platonic—the religion is at its core, with doctrines that can seem mystical and otherworldly.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
This theology leaves little room for the restraint that characterized earlier security doctrines.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026
Most Anglican churches do not require belief in Catholic Marian doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
Two people in the same local assembly may share similar doctrines but be at odds over the efficacy of modern scientific medicine, especially vaccines.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
Prevailing economic doctrines proved flawed.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego, said the conference rarely produces sweeping policy doctrines but can build relationships that matter when crises cross state lines.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2026
Those in support of the bill argue that the Bible's teachings informed the nation's core doctrines, and that the Ten Commandments offer needed moral reinforcement for schoolchildren.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 27 Jan. 2026
Legal challenges to constitutional doctrines underpinning the modern American administrative state wend their way through increasingly sympathetic courts, promising sweeping changes to the ways our most important institutions act.
—Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
This theology leaves little room for the restraint that characterized earlier security doctrines.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026
Most Anglican churches do not require belief in Catholic Marian doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
Two people in the same local assembly may share similar doctrines but be at odds over the efficacy of modern scientific medicine, especially vaccines.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
Prevailing economic doctrines proved flawed.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego, said the conference rarely produces sweeping policy doctrines but can build relationships that matter when crises cross state lines.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2026
Those in support of the bill argue that the Bible's teachings informed the nation's core doctrines, and that the Ten Commandments offer needed moral reinforcement for schoolchildren.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 27 Jan. 2026
Legal challenges to constitutional doctrines underpinning the modern American administrative state wend their way through increasingly sympathetic courts, promising sweeping changes to the ways our most important institutions act.
—Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrines
Noun
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But theologies aside, Patmos is also downright breathtaking.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2026
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If there’s a genuine, committed, energetic movement to evolve these theologies, there are huge opportunities.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And the clash of ideologies must now be balanced on the backs of many hardworking people trying to keep their children out of institutional care and on the Medicaid providers that support them.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
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The ruling coalition includes ministers with explicit pro-settler and ethno-nationalist ideologies – most notably Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.—
Arie Perliger,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Jesus, who speaks in parables, not in dicta or dogmas, provides us with a primary instance of the power of the nonliteral tale.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
While they were aligned on (mostly) monochromatic looks, the sisters had different dogmas about their bags.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This tumult gave rise to the political philosophies of communism and anarchism, as well as the early labor movement.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
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Explore philosophies that will give you a better sense of the true meaning of your life.—
Georgia Nichols,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The ad turns everyday moments into a triumphant celebration of America — people of all creeds, races, and backgrounds learning in classrooms, working on job sites, and celebrating family gatherings.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Mar. 2026
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Cultures and creeds were never the true engines of bloodshed—and aren’t in our day, either.—
Josef Joffe,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As a student at Dartmouth College, Dhillon doubled down on her political beliefs with a combativeness that foreshadowed her later commitment to MAGA.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
13 Apr. 2026
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Jack’s early political beliefs embraced the John Birch Society, a movement that felt expansive federal power is a threat to individual liberty.—
Ron Mix,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The attack was massive, involving nearly 50,000 infantry and cavalry as well as 58 canons.—
Eleanor Beardsley,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
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Solak continued, saying that Smith’s arrest would be investigated by diocese officials and follow church canons that handle clergy misconduct.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Doctrines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrines. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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