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

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 oracular Grade’s novels aren’t oracular, the way the section on postwar Vilna in his memoir was. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025 Lynch plays Cole as a secular prophet, a grand and monumental presence dispensing wisdom and judgment with a self-deprecating yet oracular intensity. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025 The bottom line: Odds aren't oracular — even a 99% chance is not a sure thing. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 The book carries Ward’s characteristic mélange of vernacular speech and lush, sometimes oracular prose, immersing readers in the blessings — and difficulties — of family, the ways that bonds can both nurture and destroy. Imani Perry, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for oracular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oracular
Adjective
  • While investigating the case of a teenage girl left for dead in the woods, Luminița (34), a small-town police officer, risks being swallowed into a dark, sinister world, where the unlawful meets the occult.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 May 2025
  • The real-life School of Rock founder’s former students tell a more sinister story By Ezra Marcus Hats Off! Daniel Berulis, a cyber-security expert and employee of the National Labor Relations Board.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Whatever the story, prophetic energy can survive, awaiting a new commander to channel it toward a more ambitious purification.
    Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
  • At a time of increasing divisions, wars and conflicts, the 2025 conclave has opened an extraordinary new page for the church with the choice of Leo, a bridge-builder and quietly prophetic pope.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Another is about death itself and the portentous ride to the other side.
    Sezin Devi Keohler, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Other portentous allegories ensue.
    Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • He and other firefighters returning from distress calls described an apocalyptic level of destruction.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
  • All the hallmarks of American poverty — bad food, obesity and urban blight — coalesced in an apocalyptic scene of destitution and vagrancy.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
  • The movie itself is something of a trip; everything feels coated in a faint, menacing sheen of unreality, as if a slasher movie were just a wild twist or two away.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Creating Operational Digital Twins Intelligent cloud enables operational digital twins—real-time virtual replicas of business operations that combine IoT data, AI analytics and predictive modeling.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • The conclave markets’ big miss this week reflects the limits of their predictive powers.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to this view, in spite of the baleful impact of the Jewish people as a whole, rare Jewish individuals could stand out.
    Gregory Fried, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2014
  • Its baleful guitar and hackneyed vocals make the average doubts shared by everyone who has ever been in love seem generic.
    Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oracular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oracular. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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