doctrines

Definition of doctrinesnext
plural of doctrine
1
as in theologies
a statement or body of statements concerning faith or morals proclaimed by a church the Catholic Church's doctrine on the Eucharist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ideologies
the basic beliefs or guiding principles of a person or group the doctrine of quantum physicists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of doctrines Assayas’s aesthetic is too genteel to even imagine the specifics of loathsome doctrines. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026 The democratization of drone warfare complicates traditional counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, requiring new doctrines, technologies, and legislative frameworks to confront the evolving threat landscape. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 If America is to preserve its liberty, conservative legal scholars and judges will need to adjust to a new reality and revisit doctrines that no longer serve to protect the constitutional structure. Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 This theology leaves little room for the restraint that characterized earlier security doctrines. Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026 Two people in the same local assembly may share similar doctrines but be at odds over the efficacy of modern scientific medicine, especially vaccines. Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 Prevailing economic doctrines proved flawed. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego, said the conference rarely produces sweeping policy doctrines but can build relationships that matter when crises cross state lines. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2026 Those in support of the bill argue that the Bible's teachings informed the nation's core doctrines, and that the Ten Commandments offer needed moral reinforcement for schoolchildren. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doctrines
Noun
  • But theologies aside, Patmos is also downright breathtaking.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
  • If there’s a genuine, committed, energetic movement to evolve these theologies, there are huge opportunities.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the groups’ divergent ideologies, the cooperation appears to have produced clear tactical convergence, including town takeovers, the use of suicide bombings, and sniper and ambush tactics.
    Amira Jadoon, The Conversation, 13 May 2026
  • Killings motivated by left-wing ideologies during that same period numbered 25, Cato found, and totaled 68 since 1975.
    Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The Dogma manifesto contains 10 new dogmas.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 May 2026
  • Jesus, who speaks in parables, not in dicta or dogmas, provides us with a primary instance of the power of the nonliteral tale.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Explore philosophies that give you better self-awareness and get you closer to the true meaning of your life.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
  • Now the same philosophies are being used to fight dementia.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The ad turns everyday moments into a triumphant celebration of America — people of all creeds, races, and backgrounds learning in classrooms, working on job sites, and celebrating family gatherings.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Cultures and creeds were never the true engines of bloodshed—and aren’t in our day, either.
    Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • She surely was also exposed to Madame Charlotte Mentelle’s feminist beliefs and abolitionist leanings.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • In certain lines of questioning from the prosecution, the Gheorghius’ personal beliefs seem to be on trial as much as their parenting.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Legend has it that the residents snuffed out their candles and strategically hung lanterns high in trees around the community so the enemy would think the buildings were on a hill and the canons would miss their targets in the early morning darkness.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
  • The attack was massive, involving nearly 50,000 infantry and cavalry as well as 58 canons.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Doctrines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doctrines. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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