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 One legitimate worry is that some people will be dogmatic and unyielding when courteously informed that AI is not sentient. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Harvard is too hubristic, too fat and prosperous, too insular, too aloof, and too dogmatic to admit that it’s erred ... Brian T. Allen, National Review, 28 June 2025 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 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
  • The Yankees have been adamant that Fried’s blister has nothing to do with his struggles.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • However, Noem was adamant that the new black paint update is the deterrent the U.S. needs to secure the Mexican border.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2025.

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