variants also dogmatical
Definition of dogmaticnext
as in opinionated
given to or marked by the forceful expression of strongly held opinions a critic's dogmatic insistence that abstract expressionism is the only school of 20th century art worthy of serious study

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dogmatic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dogmatic are dictatorial, doctrinaire, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When is it sensible to use dictatorial instead of dogmatic?

The words dictatorial and dogmatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When is doctrinaire a more appropriate choice than dogmatic?

The words doctrinaire and dogmatic can be used in similar contexts, but doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

Where would magisterial be a reasonable alternative to dogmatic?

The meanings of magisterial and dogmatic largely overlap; however, magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When might oracular be a better fit than dogmatic?

In some situations, the words oracular and dogmatic are roughly equivalent. However, oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

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 dogmatic This dogmatic approach to revolutionary citizenship led to the horrible treatment of any perceived as nonconformist, such as LGBTQ people, hippies or punks. — Juan Carlos Albarran, The Conversation, 13 July 2026 Volatile, quarrelsome, dogmatic, and sure of his own brilliance, Reinhold outraged patrons, amassed huge debts, and turned his eldest son into an exhausted workhorse. — Jenny Uglow, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 At all stages of history, Habermas shows, humanity has been trying to work out codes for the common good, and these surface even in times of dogmatic repression. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 If confidence, dogmatic beliefs, and undeniable talent were elixirs of life, Frank Lloyd Wright would be alive today, celebrating what would have been his 159th birthday. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • Clear, opinionated writing meets more resistance than writing designed to please everyone.
    — Deepa Nagraj, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Some of his best work came from behind the Weekend Update desk, particularly as the always-opinionated Drunk Uncle, secondhand news guy Anthony Crispino, or the obscenely orange Snooki from Jersey Shore.
    — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But Democrats face a tall task ahead, economists say, especially because the broader economic challenges that vexed voters stem from global conflicts like the Iran war and stubborn inflation.
    — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • With corporate profits and consumer spending remaining healthy, layoffs also remain low despite stubborn inflation and recent jitters in the stock market over whether the pace of AI investment is sustainable.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • On the younger side was Matthew Briggs, who was adamant to see Brooks live despite only knowing one song.
    — Rashad Alexander November 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Regardless, Republican Sam Matthews, an at-times independent voter who dropped into the Ohio GOP bus tour launch party in Strongsville, remained adamant Democrats continued to be too extreme for most of the electorate.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • By then, even Sartre had lost his enthusiasm for the USSR and had broken with the doctrinaire French communists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
  • But its message for young women may have evolved into something slightly less doctrinaire, and perhaps even less explicitly political.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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