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Synonyms

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

dogmatic British  
/ dɒɡˈmætɪk /

adjective

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

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

  1. of, relating to, or constituting dogma

    dogmatic writings

  2. based on assumption rather than empirical observation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

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.

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

"His evidence came across more as dogmatic, than direct at times and he was uncomfortable at his evidence being challenged," she wrote.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2025

The outspoken Goldberg could come across as dogmatic and inflexible, but proved strategic behind the scenes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2024

We take cuisine seriously, but not to the point of being dogmatic.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2024

She was scrappy yet willing to please, feminist yet feminine, full of rage yet friendly, articulate yet not dogmatic.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart