variants also dogmatical
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

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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 Nobody should be shocked that someone as dogmatic as Greta Thunberg failed to reach a sudden moral epiphany about Zionism by the end of her journey. The Editors, National Review, 11 June 2025 Others warn that dogmatic students could replace one set of self-serving historical narratives – Sheikh Hasina’s version – with their own. Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025 But while the main character’s mother in that movie was an antagonistic figure, Fatima’s parents are portrayed as kind, not dogmatic or ostentatiously pious. Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 The idea is that these positive ideologies should be immune from dogmatic and authoritarian ways of thinking. Sean Illing, Vox, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • The new media environment seems more opinionated than ever, yet one old debate—dating to the Reagan administration—has come to the fore.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 25 July 2025
  • The famously independent-minded and opinionated showrunner left Los Angeles years ago and now resides at his mammoth 270,000-acre Texas ranch.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, Coast Guard officials were adamant that FEMA makes the ultimate decision, and that FEMA’s choices may differ from the Coast Guard’s recommendations.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
  • However, she’s remained adamant that to pull off paying homage to the famed actress, everything must be done right.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beloved by conservatives, Sarah would signal a return to the doctrinaire and liturgically minded papacies of John Paul II and Benedict.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The deeper driver of Venezuela’s implosion isn’t Maduro’s doctrinaire adherence to socialism but, rather, the country’s slide into kleptocracy.
    Moisés Naím, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2020

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Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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