absolutely
adverb
ab·so·lute·ly
ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē 
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
1
: in an absolute manner: such as
a
: completely or totally
absolutely certain
an absolutely clear explanation
—often used as an intensivean absolutely brilliant performance
an absolutely awful experience
You're absolutely right.
b
: with unlimited power
ruling absolutely
2
a
—used in speech as a forceful way of saying "yes" or of expressing agreement
"Would you like to see a movie tonight?" "Absolutely!"
"We all need to work harder." "Absolutely!"
b
—used in speech in the phrase absolutely not as a forceful way of saying "no" or of expressing disagreement
"Do you think he's right?" "Absolutely not!"
3
mathematics
: with respect to absolute values
an absolutely convergent series
Examples of absolutely in a Sentence
He is absolutely certain who will win.
Let me make one thing absolutely clear.
Keep absolutely quiet during the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
On the other end, Ja’Marr Chase is coming off an absolutely filthy touchdown grab last Sunday.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Created an absolutely transcendent listening experience.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025
And so to me, that flexibility, that cognitive flexibility, is absolutely key.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Although there are many pop culture elements of this movie that may feel universal—the teens going absolutely bananas for their favorite pop stars, for instance—the clothing and some elements of the plot, including those which reference mythology, are respectful nods to Korean culture.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absolutely
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Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Created an absolutely transcendent listening experience.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025
And so to me, that flexibility, that cognitive flexibility, is absolutely key.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Although there are many pop culture elements of this movie that may feel universal—the teens going absolutely bananas for their favorite pop stars, for instance—the clothing and some elements of the plot, including those which reference mythology, are respectful nods to Korean culture.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absolutely
Cite this Entry
“Absolutely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
absolutely
adverb
ab·so·lute·ly
ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
: in an absolute way : completely or definitely
you are absolutely right
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