ORACULAR Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'oracular' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oracular are dictatorial , doctrinaire , dogmatic , and magisterial . While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism. // a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Q: When could 'dictatorial' be used to replace 'oracular'?

The meanings of dictatorial and oracular largely overlap; however, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner. // exercised dictatorial control over the office

Q: Where would 'doctrinaire' be a reasonable alternative to 'oracular'?

Although the words doctrinaire and oracular have much in common, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people. // a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

Q: When is 'dogmatic' a more appropriate choice than 'oracular'?

The words dogmatic and oracular can be used in similar contexts, but dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions. // dogmatic about what is art and what is not

Q: When would 'magisterial' be a good substitute for 'oracular'?

The synonyms magisterial and oracular are sometimes interchangeable, but magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions. // the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

oracular

adjective

Definition of oracular next

as in sinister

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective oracular contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oracular are dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, and magisterial. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

When could dictatorial be used to replace oracular?

The meanings of dictatorial and oracular largely overlap; however, dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

Where would doctrinaire be a reasonable alternative to oracular?

Although the words doctrinaire and oracular have much in common, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When is dogmatic a more appropriate choice than oracular?

The words dogmatic and oracular can be used in similar contexts, but dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When would magisterial be a good substitute for oracular?

The synonyms magisterial and oracular are sometimes interchangeable, but magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

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 oracular His pronouncements seem oracular, his verdicts correct. —

Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2023 There are, of course, more familiar names that sometimes arise from the oracular mists of the Swedish Academy, particularly over the past few decades, when, though tainted by scandal, the Nobel Committee became, off and on, more, uh, hip—both Bob Dylan and Kazuo Ishiguro come to mind. —

Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2022 These computer models don’t make oracular forecasts. —

Popular Mechanics, 24 May 2023 Morton describes the origin of Hyperobjects as oracular—like a radio transmission sent from the future. —

Laura Hudson, Wired, 16 Nov. 2021 See all Example Sentences for oracular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oracular

Adjective

Her decision to give her baby up for adoption exposes the sinister dealings of Dagmar Overbye (Trine Dyrholm), the female Danish serial killer whose true-life murder of dozens of children in the 1910s inspired the film.

— Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
The instrumental is decidedly sinister, and his vocals sound eerily similar to Michael’s.

— Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025