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 Empirical studies gained prominence, and some economists, at least, recognized the need to be less dogmatic and to be more willing to draw upon insights from other fields, such as psychology and political science. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 The contrast from the dogmatic style of Ange Postecoglou over the previous two seasons is well-established by now. Mark Carey, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 Ruben Amorim’s dogmatic approach must change Whatever credit Amorim had in the bank has been rapidly used up and his dogmatic devotion to his preferred 3-4-3 formation is starting to grate on many. Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Instead of taking a dogmatic or sensationalist stance, the SETI project takes a scientifically rigorous and pragmatic approach—putting the best possible mechanisms in place for the definition, detection, and interpretation of signs of possible alien intelligence. IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • There's original fare as well, such as an Italian rom-com and a heartwarming dramedy with Field, Lewis Pullman and an opinionated mollusk.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Grandma Bobby is well-read and well-traveled, glamorous and opinionated (speaking of usually-right old women), the old-school, no-nonsense daughter of a girl who walked out of a pogrom and emigrated to New York.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Abby, how does one work with stubborn husbands?
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • Ahead, Katie Sullivan, the director of issue communications at the American Cleaning Institute, shares the best way to remove sticky, greasy residue from pot lids, at-home solutions for tackling even the most stubborn residue, and the one mistake to avoid that can make cleanup more difficult.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The French film industry is very adamant about showing films in theaters and maintaining a long theatrical window.
    John Ross, Vanity Fair, 7 May 2026
  • Be adamant, not alarmist, as Mars squares off with Jupiter.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • On the left, Anderson trots out stock characters — the oversexed Black woman revolutionary, Leo's cuckolded white stoner, doctrinaire newcomers — from a Bob Hope skit about hippies.
    Gustavo Arellano, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Yet both sides of the weight-loss debate became attached to impossibly doctrinaire positions.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dogmatic

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