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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 The fashion company reduced its absolute Scopes 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent from its fiscal 2020 baseline, exceeding its goal of a 30 percent reduction by the end of fiscal 2031. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 Making Retrospection Part Of The Process ​ Executional excellence is not only about efficiency but also doing your absolute best work. — Ashish Agarwal, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 It is ruled by King Mswati III, who holds supreme political power and is Africa's last absolute monarch. — CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026 Circus veterans and musical-theater pros merge skills onstage, with performers learning trapeze, aerial work and puppetry under collaborative leaders who emphasize one unified troupe — and absolute trust during death-defying feats. — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 14 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
  • The economists suggest the tax rules are arbitrary and unfair.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Ware pointed to a resilient economy and steady core inflation, arguing that stocks would be more vulnerable to a slowdown in either consumer spending or artificial-intelligence investment than to the 10-year crossing an arbitrary threshold.
    — Sean Conlon,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 14 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
  • The pass the Netherlands forward wrapped into Alexander Isak’s feet was perfect.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Hoosiers have won 17 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and are a perfect 16-0 at home under Cignetti.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Swift was born into the Anglo-Irish Protestant elite, and the text satires both the callousness of his class and a then-ascendant approach to morality and politics that held that all aspects of life could be cooked down to a pure numerical value.
    — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, Bier recognizes the pure joy of seeing these women drinking margaritas again, resulting in a vivid and sweet celebration that gradually reframes aging as a process of gaining power rather than losing it.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • SuperScan conducts a deeper investigation when a standard check isn’t conclusive.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2026
  • While not treated as conclusive, polygraph results often serve as a filter.
    — Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of conclusive
Adjective
  • There’s always another internet grift for someone looking to save himself fast, and without any gimmicky visual intrusions, the film feels authentically tuned into the aspirational mentality and oppressive reality of contemporary social media.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Amid an oppressive stretch of extreme heat and Florida-esque humidity that has been punishing much of California, consider, for a moment, the Ice Age.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of oppressive
Adjective
  • This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.
    — Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • With waterfall views and an ideal location among the old-school charm of Beacon’s shops and restaurants, the Roundhouse provides a perfect weekend escape for New Yorkers who want to feel a world away from home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For an event that has become an annual celebration of Latino heritage in Kansas City, the gathering continued despite conditions that were far from ideal.
    — J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 14 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absolute

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absolute

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