Dogma is a noun that refers to a set of principles, beliefs, or doctrines that are laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true. Often associated with religion, philosophy, or ideology, dogma implies rigidity and resistance to questioning or reinterpretation. While it can signify a foundation of accepted truths, the term sometimes carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unquestioning adherence to rules or beliefs without critical thought.
Sentences Using “Dogma”:
- The church’s dogma prohibited any deviation from its established teachings.
- He rejected the dogma of his upbringing and sought to form his own beliefs.
- The company’s rigid adherence to outdated dogma stifled innovation.
- Critics argued that the political party’s dogma prevented it from adapting to modern challenges.
- Her work challenges the traditional dogma of the scientific community.
- Students were encouraged to question the dogma they had always accepted without thought.
- The philosopher argued that blind faith in dogma can hinder intellectual growth.
- The dogma of individualism shaped much of the country’s cultural identity.
- Religious dogma often serves as a moral guide for its followers.
- The group’s leader imposed a strict dogma that discouraged any dissent.
Synonyms for “dogma”:
- Doctrine
- Belief
- Principle
- Tenet
- Creed
- Ideology
- Conviction
- Philosophy
- Teaching
- Rule
Antonyms for “dogma”:
- Skepticism
- Doubt
- Questioning
- Flexibility
- Open-mindedness
- Inquiry
- Uncertainty
- Relativism
- Innovation
- Nonconformity
Related Words:
- Orthodoxy
- Canon
- Faith
- Law
- Edict
- Manifesto
- Custom
- Tradition
- Framework
- Paradigm
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Take as gospel” – To accept something as unquestionably true, e.g., “They treated the company’s rules as gospel, a modern-day dogma.”
- “Carved in stone” – Fixed and unchangeable, e.g., “The organization’s policies felt like dogma carved in stone.”
- “Sacred cow” – An idea or practice immune to criticism, e.g., “The policy became a sacred cow, a dogma no one dared question.”
- “Blind allegiance” – Unquestioning loyalty or adherence, e.g., “Dogma often leads to blind allegiance without critical thinking.”
- “Holy writ” – Something treated as absolutely authoritative, e.g., “The manual was treated as holy writ, reflecting the dogma of the institution.”
