as in dogmatical
given to or marked by the forceful expression of strongly held opinions
a theater critic known for his pontifical pronouncements on what is or is not worth seeing
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Recent Examples of pontifical
The prose is confiding and, in places, pontifical.
—
Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2020
That revelation, coupled with other recent pontifical critiques, have quickly dissolved the notion that the Dec. 31 death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a symbolic leader of the church’s conservative wing, might lessen the opposition to Francis.
—Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2023
Because of its original purpose, however, the building also has its peculiarities: the pontifical horses lived in grand style on two levels of soaring stalls, connected by a monumental, gently sloping ramp of travertine bricks.
—Ingrid D. Rowland, The New York Review of Books, 20 Aug. 2020
The prevailing view of Wordsworth—pontifical, orthodox, austere—was entrenched by the Victorians, who praised him for the very qualities the Younger Romantics had mocked.
—Matthew Bevis, Harper's Magazine, 23 June 2020
Lifting the rule of pontifical secrecy does not clarify church official’s obligations to comply with such requests.
—Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2020
The Vatican had previously argued that the imposition of pontifical secrecy was necessary to protect both victim and accused.
—BostonGlobe.com, 18 Dec. 2019
Critics said the pontifical secret was used to keep the scandal hidden, prevent police from acquiring internal documentation and silence victims.
—Nicole Winfield, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Dec. 2019
Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2020
That revelation, coupled with other recent pontifical critiques, have quickly dissolved the notion that the Dec. 31 death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a symbolic leader of the church’s conservative wing, might lessen the opposition to Francis.
—Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2023
Because of its original purpose, however, the building also has its peculiarities: the pontifical horses lived in grand style on two levels of soaring stalls, connected by a monumental, gently sloping ramp of travertine bricks.
—Ingrid D. Rowland, The New York Review of Books, 20 Aug. 2020
The prevailing view of Wordsworth—pontifical, orthodox, austere—was entrenched by the Victorians, who praised him for the very qualities the Younger Romantics had mocked.
—Matthew Bevis, Harper's Magazine, 23 June 2020
Lifting the rule of pontifical secrecy does not clarify church official’s obligations to comply with such requests.
—Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2020
The Vatican had previously argued that the imposition of pontifical secrecy was necessary to protect both victim and accused.
—BostonGlobe.com, 18 Dec. 2019
Critics said the pontifical secret was used to keep the scandal hidden, prevent police from acquiring internal documentation and silence victims.
—Nicole Winfield, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Dec. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontifical
Adjective
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The outspoken Goldberg could come across as dogmatic and inflexible, but proved strategic behind the scenes.Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
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A week before he was eventually dismissed, English pundit Jamie Carragher likened tactically dogmatic coaches like Martin to wearing a T-shirt and shorts in the rain.Elias Burke, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Too light, and stubborn product residue, oil, and impurities linger.Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
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The rebuild the Hawks tried to put behind them this season is clinging to them like stubborn lint.Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Headed by the opinionated Phil Robertson, founder of the Duck Commander enterprise, the clan includes his wife Kay; his long-bearded brother Si; his equally hirsute sons Willie, Jase, and Jep; and their assorted wives and children.Danny Horn, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024
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Clement shares his rectory with his opinionated and fearless widowed mother and two dachshund dogs.Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Taylor was adamant not to let the photo mishap spoil the holiday for her son.Raven Brunner, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
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But the Pentagon is adamant that the Osprey is safe and has continued to operate it despite mounting public concerns from family members, experts and lawmakers.Brad Dress, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In 2024, that worked, but the coalition that powered Trump’s victory drew heavily from those less engaged in politics and who ranged, ideologically, from doctrinaire social conservatives, such as Vance, to contrarian ex-liberals, such as Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024
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Its leaders become priests who shepherd their flocks according to the doctrinaire agenda of their faith.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Pontifical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontifical. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
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