doctrinal
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- doctrinality noun
- doctrinally adverb
- nondoctrinal adjective
- nondoctrinally adverb
- undoctrinal adjective
- undoctrinally adverb
Etymology
Origin of doctrinal
1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin doctrīnālis, equivalent to Latin doctrīn ( a ) ( see doctrine) + -ālis -al 1
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.
By restoring deference to informed business judgment while reinforcing clearer doctrinal boundaries, Delaware has moved to re-establish the balance that long underpinned confidence in incentives, leadership stability, and predictable rules.
From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026
A churchman of exceptional rhetorical skill, Augustine was naturally drawn into doctrinal and intellectual controversies, in which he showed a fearsome determination that his views should win out.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
While she described the moment of danger as potentially having “prime importance” under Graham, that characterization reflects a rhetorical emphasis more than a doctrinal one.
From Slate • Apr. 15, 2025
“Article II: Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2025
Now, huge doctrinal differences hang on the placing of this comma.
From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
