dogmatic

American  

[dawg-mat-ik, dog-] / dɔgˈmæt ɪk, dɒg- /

Also dogmatical

adjective

1. relating to or of the nature of a dogma or dogmas or any strong set of principles concerning faith, morals, etc., as those laid down by a church; doctrinal.

   We hear dogmatic arguments from both sides of the political spectrum.

2. asserting opinions in a doctrinaire or arrogant manner; opinionated.

   I refuse to argue with someone so dogmatic that he won't listen to reason.

   Synonyms:

   dictatorial, imperious, arbitrary

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dogmatic British  

/ dɒɡˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. 1. (of a statement, opinion, etc) forcibly asserted as if authoritative and unchallengeable

   2. (of a person) prone to making such statements

2. of, relating to, or constituting dogma

   dogmatic writings

3. based on assumption rather than empirical observation

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Other Word Forms

• dogmaticalness
  noun
• overdogmaticalness
  noun
• antidogmatic
  adjective
• antidogmatical
  adjective
• nondogmatic
  adjective
• nondogmatical
  adjective
• overdogmatic
  adjective
• overdogmatical
  adjective
• undogmatic
  adjective
• undogmatical
  adjective
• antidogmatically
  adverb
• dogmatically
  adverb
• nondogmatically
  adverb
• overdogmatically
  adverb
• undogmatically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dogmatic

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Late Latin dogmaticus, from Greek dogmatikós, equivalent to dogmat- (stem of dógma dogma ) + -ikos -ic

Explanation

To be dogmatic is to follow a set of rules no matter what. The rules might be religious, philosophical, or made-up, but dogmatic people would never waver in their beliefs so don’t even think of trying to change their minds. Dogmatic goes back to the Greek words dogma, which means basically “what one thinks is true” and dogmatikos, “pertaining to doctrine.” To be dogmatic is to follow a doctrine relating to morals and faith, a set of beliefs that is passed down and never questioned. It also refers to arrogant opinions based on unproven theories or even despite facts. Someone dogmatic might insist that dinosaurs never existed or that women shouldn’t drive. Dogmatic people are usually not very popular.

Example Sentences

For him, O’Neill is not overly dogmatic or politically compromised, and could be an effective director with the best intentions, who understands the necessity of trusting the scientific process.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

People who know Selig described him as buttoned-up and cordial, with a thoughtful rather than dogmatic approach to the legal questions around crypto and prediction markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

But he wasn’t dogmatic in any way, he was just trying to do his level best, you know, to do justice.

From Slate • May 9, 2025

Amid the focus on tactically dogmatic coaches such as Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim, Murray said Potter's style was "fluid" and he was not opposed to making changes to formation or tactics during a game.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025

“What followers of a genius aren't dogmatic, for heaven’s sake? The Freudians have plenty to be dogmatic about. Freud was a genius.”

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

Related Words

• arbitrary
• arrogant
• assertive
• categorical
• emphatic
• fanatical
• intolerant
• obstinate
• stubborn
• unequivocal