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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unconditional
having no exceptions or restrictions
ironing is an absolute bore I want the absolute truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in perfect
being entirely without fault or flaw
a formal living room decorated with absolute taste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in pure
free from added matter
absolute alcohol
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
absolute proof of her innocence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
And the count isn’t absolute because some people may not be around during the outreach times.
—
Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
While in absolute terms the US lost by far the most troops of any NATO country in Afghanistan, some European countries – with much smaller populations than the US – lost almost as many troops in relative terms.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
Given the severity of the latest down move, the odds suggest another bounce in software — both on an absolute and on a relative basis — could develop again in the near future.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
And indifference is kind of the feeling most of us in this profession feel most of the time, obviously not today, but most of our lives are met with absolute indifference.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absolute
Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
While in absolute terms the US lost by far the most troops of any NATO country in Afghanistan, some European countries – with much smaller populations than the US – lost almost as many troops in relative terms.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
Given the severity of the latest down move, the odds suggest another bounce in software — both on an absolute and on a relative basis — could develop again in the near future.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
And indifference is kind of the feeling most of us in this profession feel most of the time, obviously not today, but most of our lives are met with absolute indifference.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolute
Adjective
-
The memorandum filed Monday argues the court should not adopt the deferential standard of arbitrary or capricious.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The judge also said the administration’s decision had been arbitrary and capricious, given its failure to consider Vineyard Wind’s interest in having the project continue on its schedule to a March completion.—
Mark Chediak,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Validation, on the other hand, is unconditional.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
According to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 6-13-10, this merchandise can be considered an unconditional gift without any obligation on the recipient's part to the sender.—
Bailey Allen,
The Providence Journal,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And his two Super Bowls were against the New England Patriots, taking down Belichick and Tom Brady to spoil their perfect 2007 season and the 2011 campaign.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
With enticing descriptions and exquisite photography, the book is perfect for travelers to leaf through for destination inspiration.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But from a pure wrestling standpoint, Styles-Nakamura.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Their expertise and pure joy for all the young talents growing and achieving through their guidance and support uplifts the enthusiastic energy of the teammates, their families and the entire ranch, according to the news release.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
No conclusive plan has been formed to either engage in talks with another professional sports team or repurpose the current site of Arrowhead Stadium – though Lucas and LeVota, respectively, said the city and county could explore both in the next five years.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
23 Dec. 2025
-
While there is no conclusive evidence indicating a best time to drink aloe vera gel for digestive health, consuming it at specific times may support different health goals.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Enoch confronts the celestial hosts, all wearing capes of swastika red under an oppressive horizon of jutting lightning and glaring orange mountains.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The film adapts Xianzhe Xu’s comic series and unfolds during China’s Sui Dynasty under Emperor Yang Guang’s oppressive reign.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The barrage of images broadcast out of Minneapolis and surrounding regions depict violent and brutal encounters and capture moments of utter fear, pain and confusion.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Overall, though, Payton showed an utter unwillingness to trust his backfield against one of the league’s worst rushing defenses in the Bills.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Create high-ticket offers to attract ideal clients, earn more, and work less.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The ideal time to do this is during a brake replacement (just saves a little labor).—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolute. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
