Synonyms

doctrinal

American

[dok-truh-nl, dok-trahyn-l] / ˈdɒk trə nl, dɒkˈtraɪn l /

adjective

of, relating to, or concerned with doctrine.

a doctrinal dispute.

Other Word Forms

doctrinality noun
doctrinally adverb
nondoctrinal adjective
nondoctrinally adverb
undoctrinal adjective
undoctrinally adverb

Etymology

Origin of doctrinal

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin doctrīnālis, equivalent to Latin doctrīn ( a ) ( doctrine ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Taken together, the Supreme Court’s remedial discipline and the legislature’s doctrinal clarification reflect a coordinated institutional response.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

A churchman of exceptional rhetorical skill, Augustine was naturally drawn into doctrinal and intellectual controversies, in which he showed a fearsome determination that his views should win out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Prof Xulu said churches like the IPHC, while having an "eclectic approach to Christianity" that was "half-Christian, half-African", did have doctrinal justifications for their traditions as well as "internal dispute-resolution mechanisms".

From BBC • May 3, 2025

While she described the moment of danger as potentially having “prime importance” under Graham, that characterization reflects a rhetorical emphasis more than a doctrinal one.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2025

Superstition was a widely available nostrum for people powerless against the miseries of famine, pestilence and deadly doctrinal conflict.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023