Synonyms for doctrine
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
A belief or tenet, especially about philosophical or theological matters.
The Incarnation is a basic doctrine of Christianity.
- n. 2
The body of teachings of an ideology, most often a religion, or of an ideological or religious leader, organization, group, or text.
What is the understanding of marriage and family in orthodox Marxist doctrine?
Related words
Forms
- Plural
- doctrines → philosophies, isms, dogmas, principles…
Choose the right word
Doctrine primarily signifies that which is taught; principle, the fundamental basis on which the teaching rests. A doctrine is reasoned out, and may be defended by reasoning; a dogma rests on authority, as of direct revelation, the decision of the church, etc.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- principle My father made it a principle to keep early hours.
- dogma His dogma forbids that he eats fish during Passover.
- tradition An Emirati would never give up a family tradition.
- proposition An interesting proposition is raised in your book.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| doctrine | steady | |
| principle | steady | |
| dogma | steady | |
| tradition | rising | |
| proposition | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- ism2
- 4 letters
- idea3
- 5 letters
- faith1, creed1, maxim2, dogma2, tenet2
- 6 letters
- theory2, belief2, thesis2
- 7 letters
- opinion3, precept2
- 8 letters
- teaching2
- 9 letters
- tradition3, principle3
- 10 letters
- philosophy4, persuasion3
- 11 letters
- proposition4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (ism2 = 2 syllables).