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 Times of amazing progress, but also worrying backslides to dogmatic tribal ideologies and an extremely uncertain future. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dogmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogmatic
Adjective
  • Anne Ramsay played Jamie’s highly opinionated older sister Lisa, who lived a much more chaotic life.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • Mary Holland said the creative process worked because the sisters are all opinionated in different ways.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers have been looking into ways to reduce the stubborn inflammation HIV causes in the central nervous system.
    Smita S. Iyer, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
  • The findings, published in 2025 in Brain Stimulation, point to a fundamentally new way of treating one of the most stubborn psychiatric conditions, using a miniaturized implant that delivers brief bursts of stimulation only during key moments of exposure therapy.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dogmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogmatic. Accessed 11 Jun. 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