doctrines

Definition of doctrinesnext
plural of doctrine
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

Relevance
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

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 doctrines The democratization of drone warfare complicates traditional counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, requiring new doctrines, technologies, and legislative frameworks to confront the evolving threat landscape. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 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 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
  • But theologies aside, Patmos is also downright breathtaking.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
  • 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
  • Artificial intelligence, far-right ideologies, voracious capitalism — all of it makes Martel alarmed, seeing it as pushing us collectively to the brink of collapse.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • From Nasser to Khomeini, the region’s revolutionary ideologies have delivered only ruin.
    Danielle Pletka, Washington Post, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Explore philosophies that give you a better self-awareness and get you closer to the meaning of your life.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
  • Media ethics textbooks are starting to include some non-Western philosophies, such as Eastern religious principles from Islam and Buddhism, Chinese communitarian principles from Confucius, and African humanitarian principles such as Ubuntu.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Take time to reflect and renew your spiritual and religious beliefs.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
  • Prejean Boller, a Catholic, contended that she was wrongly ousted for expressing her beliefs.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • The attack was massive, involving nearly 50,000 infantry and cavalry as well as 58 canons.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doctrines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrines. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on doctrines

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster