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absolute

adjective

ˈab-sə-ˌlüt How to pronounce absolute (audio)
Definition of absolutenext
1
as in arbitrary
exercising power or authority without interference by others Russia's absolute monarchy effectively ceased to be when Czar Nicholas II promised to share power with a legislative body

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unconditional
having no exceptions or restrictions ironing is an absolute bore I want the absolute truth

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3
as in perfect
being entirely without fault or flaw a formal living room decorated with absolute taste

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4
as in pure
free from added matter absolute alcohol

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5
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning absolute proof of her innocence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 absolute So the opposition that Anne Rice took to his casting, and stuff like that, was an absolute distraction. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 Israel has absolute control of communications systems in Gaza, and thus absolute power of surveillance. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026 Each such pattern illuminates a fragment of the absolute Galois group’s structure. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026 The need for any person to openly brandish a sidearm or a person to carry an assault rifle on his shoulder is absolute insanity. — Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolute
  1. arbitrary
  2. unconditional
  3. perfect
  4. pure
  5. conclusive
  6. oppressive
  7. utter
  8. ideal
Adjective
  • He was convicted of four counts of war crimes including murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Human rights groups and United Nations officials have accused the Syrian government of widespread abuses in its detention facilities, including torture and arbitrary detention of thousands of people, in many cases without informing their families.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Adjective
  • The unconditional quality of my love for him will not last forever, just as my brother’s did not.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • As the duo bond over the absurd logistics of their lethal hobby and evade detection, the series uses its heightened premise to deliver a hilarious, deeply relatable exploration of female friendship and unconditional loyalty.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • This means their meaning is easier to guess for someone without any previous knowledge of the gesture or language being spoken; perfect for creating a new language from scratch.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Dolce’s cool, reductive architectural sense, with its airy vistas and great open spaces inside and out (perfect for their energetic Labradors, Lola and her son, Dali), is cluttered with the eclectic bounty that Gabbana has assembled over the years.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • The Rebels jumped out to a commanding 24-7 lead in the first half before the Tigers scored 17 unanswered points to knot things up and set the scene for a fourth quarter that could only be described as pure cinema.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • To see the picture earlier this month was to witness pure, untempered joy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • To have or not to have pheromones Scientists have yet to find conclusive evidence about whether humans have or are able to detect pheromones.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • None is conclusive proof on its own, but each helps establish the date and time.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of conclusive
Adjective
  • The investigation into Toro follows a complaint from Bigelow that alleges the workplace culture under Toro’s leadership is characterized as oppressive, bullying and fearful, according to the complaint.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
  • In its opening episodes, the series carefully distinguishes Lizzie from her male killer counterparts while highlighting the oppressive conditions women faced in the era.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of oppressive
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • Axo is the ideal partner for JD in Mexico, with a 30-year track record of working with brands in the country.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Golf photographer Brian Murphy says that Orlando’s thriving golf scene is ideal for residents who enjoy the game.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of ideal

Browse Nearby Words

absents oneself
absolute
absolutely
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Cite this Entry

“Absolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolute. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absolute

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absolute

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