'anti-dogmatism' originates from the Greek prefix 'anti-' (ἀντί) meaning 'against' combined with 'dogmatism', which comes from Greek 'dogmatismos' (from 'dogma') meaning 'opinion' or 'that which seems right'.

'dogmatism' entered English via Latin (dogmatismus) and Medieval/Modern Latin and French from the Greek 'dogmatismos'; the prefix 'anti-' has been used in English since classical borrowings to form compounds meaning 'against, opposed to'. The compound 'anti-dogmatism' is a modern formation used mainly in philosophical and intellectual discourse.

Originally 'dogma' meant an opinion or something considered right; over time 'dogmatism' shifted to mean rigid or uncompromising adherence to doctrines, and 'anti-dogmatism' developed to denote opposition to that rigidity—emphasizing critical inquiry and openness.