oracular

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective oracular contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oracular are dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, and magisterial. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," 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

When could dictatorial be used to replace oracular?

The meanings of dictatorial and oracular largely overlap; however, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

Where would doctrinaire be a reasonable alternative to oracular?

Although the words doctrinaire and oracular have much in common, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When is dogmatic a more appropriate choice than oracular?

The words dogmatic and oracular can be used in similar contexts, but dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When would magisterial be a good substitute for oracular?

The synonyms magisterial and oracular are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Examples of oracular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These computer models don’t make oracular forecasts. Popular Mechanics, 24 May 2023 Morton describes the origin of Hyperobjects as oracular—like a radio transmission sent from the future. Laura Hudson, Wired, 16 Nov. 2021 His comments were aphoristic or oracular, but often infused with wit. Martin Rees, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2019 The puppet of my father had a tendency toward oracular pronouncements. Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for oracular 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oracular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Oracular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oracular. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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