adjective dog·mat·ic \dȯg-ˈma-tik, däg-\
variants: or less commonly


play \-ti-kəl\

Definition of dogmatic

  1. 1 :  characterized by or given to the expression of opinions very strongly or positively as if they were facts <a dogmatic critic>

  2. 2 :  of or relating to dogma (see dogma)




play \-ti-kəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of dogmatic in a sentence

  1. What we are being treated to, clearly, is an extended set of variations on that most ancient of all intellectual chestnuts, the infinite capacity of the professorial mind for the dogmatic and ludicrous misinterpretation of evidence regarding past civilizations. —Peter Green, New Republic, 20 Mar. 2000

  2. The New York Times, dogmatic as always, claimed that “facts and reason, the authority of all dictionaries, and the support of every chronologer and historian that ever lived, to say nothing of the invariable understanding and custom of all lands and ages” underlay its choice of 1901. It spoke dismissively of “the delusion that there is a controversy as to when the twentieth century begins,” even as the controversy dragged on in its pages for a year and a half. —Frederic D. Schwarz, American Heritage, December 1999

  3. After absorbing one magazine's strict injunctions on such topics as the number of saucepans to register for and which varieties of flowers hold up best in bouquets, I would move on to another mag, only to find an equal number of equally dogmatic assertions, delivered with equal certainty and often in complete contradiction with the first set. —Ruth Halikman, New Republic, 18 Oct. 1999

  4. She's become so dogmatic lately that arguing with her is pointless.

  5. <a critic's dogmatic insistence that abstract expressionism is the only school of 20th century art worthy of serious study>

Origin and Etymology of dogmatic

see dogma

First Known Use: 1681

Synonym Discussion of dogmatic

dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others. dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner <exercised dictatorial control over the office>. 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>. dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions <dogmatic about what is art and what is not>. doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people <a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy>. 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>.

DOGMATIC Defined for English Language Learners


adjective dog·mat·ic \dȯg-ˈma-tik, däg-\

Definition of dogmatic for English Language Learners

  • : expressing personal opinions or beliefs as if they are certainly correct and cannot be doubted

Seen and Heard

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rude, impolite, or socially unacceptable

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