doctrinal

adjective

doc·​trin·​al ˈdäk-trə-nᵊl How to pronounce doctrinal (audio)
especially British
däk-ˈtrī- How to pronounce doctrinal (audio)
Synonyms of doctrinalnext
: of, relating to, or preoccupied with doctrine
doctrinally
ˈdäk-trə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce doctrinal (audio)
adverb

Examples of doctrinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This air-to-sea command transfer represents a doctrinal advance. — Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026 This doctrinal stance shaped Beijing’s early response. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026 Much later, in the 20th and 21st centuries, came a third doctrinal category, how the parties should act once war has ended. — Keith Tidman, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2026 From public safety to regime protection The transformation was not only structural but doctrinal. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctrinal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctrinal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

doctrinairism
doctrinal
doctrinality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doctrinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctrinal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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