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 Origins of a dogmatic response Shortly after the IPCC released that finding in 1995, persistent and well-organized attacks on the science began. Gary W. Yohe, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • Under Fleming, ServiceNow adopted a more opinionated voice on AI.
    Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
  • With him is trusted aide and very opinionated meteorologist Irving Krick (Chris Messina), who has given him key weather forecasts on several campaigns and is doing so again for perhaps the biggest ever attempted, a seaborne invasion onto the beaches of Normandy in France planned for June 5, 1944.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Grab a melamine sponge and get rid of stubborn bathtub stains in a jiffy.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
  • If the Avs remain stubborn and play a style that suits their stars in the regular season, MacKinnon might win another title, but will be at the end of his career with another team.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Officials with the Georgia Department of Transportation have been adamant that many of the major road closures and resurfacing projects are unrelated to the World Cup, and therefore are on a multi-year timeline.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Healthcare advocates are equally adamant.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 28 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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