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 America is to preserve its liberty, conservative legal scholars and judges will need to adjust to a new reality and revisit doctrines that no longer serve to protect the constitutional structure.
—
Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
When citizens insist on shaping the basic terms of social life by appealing to premises that others cannot reasonably be expected to accept—revelation, doctrines of transcendence, private moral visions—the result is not a purer politics but a dangerously brittle one.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 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
Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
When citizens insist on shaping the basic terms of social life by appealing to premises that others cannot reasonably be expected to accept—revelation, doctrines of transcendence, private moral visions—the result is not a purer politics but a dangerously brittle one.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 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
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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From Nasser to Khomeini, the region’s revolutionary ideologies have delivered only ruin.—
Danielle Pletka,
Washington Post,
1 May 2026
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Read More Three different albums, three different ideologies.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 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
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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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Still, their philosophies and tendencies remain to be learned.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The coaches — Teisher for Mission Hills and Aaron Hooford for Escondido — had different philosophies coming into the game.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 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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Your beliefs become your biology by way of behavior.—
Terry Ward,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
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Their beliefs are not vindictive; they are considered.—
Chris McKenna,
New York Times,
4 May 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 7 May. 2026.
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