variants
also categoric
as in definite
having no exceptions or restrictions
a categorical denial of the rumors that the celebrities were planning to get married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 categorical
The 391 schools are not ranked in an overall list, but the company also released 50 categorical lists that did rank the schools.
—
Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025
But for the most part, the buildings on Park and Fifth have moved closer to the board policies on Central Park West, where turndowns have been less categorical (i.e., no Hollywood types) and more a matter of personal preference.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 13 Aug. 2025
The Government of Israel is not the nation of Israel, but the Government of Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu today deserves our categorical and unequivocal condemnation.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025
The Government of Israel is not the nation of Israel, but the Government of Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu today deserves our categorical and unequivocal condemnation.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025
But for the most part, the buildings on Park and Fifth have moved closer to the board policies on Central Park West, where turndowns have been less categorical (i.e., no Hollywood types) and more a matter of personal preference.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 13 Aug. 2025
The Government of Israel is not the nation of Israel, but the Government of Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu today deserves our categorical and unequivocal condemnation.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025
The Government of Israel is not the nation of Israel, but the Government of Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu today deserves our categorical and unequivocal condemnation.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
-
Ares a very high 71%+ definite recommend, the 18-24 set gave it the lowest of any demographic at 44%.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
-
His father, who was a traveling salesman and former amateur goalkeeper, carried definite expectations, Klopp added.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Steelers' defense was absolutely shredded by 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals' offense on Thursday night, surrendering 470 total yards in the 33-31 loss.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
-
At under $50, this coat is a total steal that’s sure to make even the simplest of airport outfits look sophisticated.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Sclerotic growth, stagnant real wages, and crumbling public services are generating profound dissatisfaction.—
Anand Menon,
Time,
18 Oct. 2025
-
But there’s something almost profound about its infinite interpretations, its refusal to be defined.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Monochromatic Raven loves to stick to a simple, serene palette by combining a variety of white tulips with different bloom times.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
-
This Madewell version channels that effortless, neutral polish Kitts described—simple, structured, and endlessly versatile.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Fowler and Zietlow also renew the Chuba Hubbard-Rico Dowdle debate and give a thorough preview of Carolina’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
From General Hospital's big wins, to Drew Barrymore's first Emmy, keep scrolling to see which fan-favorites come out on top by viewing the complete list of winners from the 2025 Daytime Emmys.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Then in Game Two came Yoshinobu Yamamoto (three hundred and twenty-five million for twelve years), who gave up a home run to the first batter before pitching a complete game in which no one else got to second base.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In Nobody Wants This, the juxtaposition between Noah and Joanne's families is stark.—
Maggie Kreienberg,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The stark black silhouette is broken up by an oak handle to add some visual interest.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That said, each tint is said to offer sheer, buildable coverage with the right touch of color.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Naomi Watts also went sheer in a daring look from Valentino’s spring 2025 couture collection, which featured a voluminous skirt with a lacy top.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share