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

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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 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 Hank has always been conservative but not dogmatic Hank has always been a reliable conservative, a Reagan man, but was never dogmatic. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 29 July 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 But the general policy was to reframe the Leonine strategy in more inclusive, less dogmatic terms. R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • Falduto utters the words as his character Billy to Dewey, playing the opinionated student who becomes the stylist for the band.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025
  • McHale stars as Frank Shaw, an overqualified, over-opinionated Animal Control officer who has an almost superhuman ability to understand animals.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Universal Friend was independent, resolute, and brave—qualities that we Americans often claim as uniquely ours—but also stubborn and egotistical.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Apply a baking soda paste, or, for darker or stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and white vinegar.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • However, Skipper was adamant that the referee mistakenly listed him as eligible, not Decker, resulting in the Lions losing 20-19 to the Cowboys.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Some of the bill’s legislative advocates last year were adamant its motivation was concern over safety and that the public doesn't know enough about the science.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even leaving these facts aside, neither the doctrinaire socialism nor militant Islam have ever improved any place on earth, and New York City will not be the first.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Murdoch’s media muscle has been increasingly buttressed by his Wall Street Journal revenues as well as those of the doctrinaire Fox News.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.

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