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 Many liberals and progressives were happy enough to get rid of the Communists, who had always been secretive, dogmatic, and, in general, hard to deal with. Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 Another crucial component is dogmatic blind devotion to a single over-arching goal by AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Many liberals and progressives were happy enough to get rid of the Communists, who had always been secretive, dogmatic, and, in general, hard to deal with. Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 This particular tension is unlikely to go away; slow, dogmatic passing football has always been a hard sell in a stadium where arch-pragmatists like Mourinho and Antonio Conte were so enthusiastically embraced. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • Known for his bold and opinionated nature, his silence raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • My mom was funny, opinionated and unapologetically herself.
    Erica Reitman, People.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The chairman was adamant this bill can still pass by Johnson's goal of Memorial Day.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 16 May 2025
  • Valli remains adamant about the importance of fashion as escapism.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Parts of the book were devoted to religious fantasy, the doctrinaire blindness of an age in which faith dominated every aspect of life.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
  • Francis kept Ouellet in the job until 2023, even though he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, and thus helped select the more doctrinaire bishops preferred by the German pontiff.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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