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
Districts have seen reimbursements for non-negotiable mandated categorical (MCAT) costs erode.
—
Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Quantum computing will allow health researchers to forgo the traditional categorical mindset and model complex pathways instead of fitting patients into neat buckets.
—Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
There will be those who view Arsenal’s decision not to enter the market before Monday night’s deadline as a categorical failure, but January (and in this case, the start of February) is never an easy time for clubs to go shopping, and buying for the sake of it is a mistake many teams fall into.
—Sam Lee, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025
Quantum computing will allow health researchers to forgo the traditional categorical mindset and model complex pathways instead of fitting patients into neat buckets.
—Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Quantum computing will allow health researchers to forgo the traditional categorical mindset and model complex pathways instead of fitting patients into neat buckets.
—Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
There will be those who view Arsenal’s decision not to enter the market before Monday night’s deadline as a categorical failure, but January (and in this case, the start of February) is never an easy time for clubs to go shopping, and buying for the sake of it is a mistake many teams fall into.
—Sam Lee, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025
Quantum computing will allow health researchers to forgo the traditional categorical mindset and model complex pathways instead of fitting patients into neat buckets.
—Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
-
The city offers little in the way of culinary variety — a definite downside for food lovers seeking new and exciting options, according to the study.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
-
This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
In total, their work helped more than 1,300 veterans in 2024.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
-
In total, during the fiscal year ending in June 2025, the park rangers department billed more than 1,650 hours of overtime.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
In 2012, Phyllis Barkman Ferrell experienced a profound irony.—
Juergen Eckhardt,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Close to a third lose their job, and the social isolation can be profound.—
April Dembosky,
NPR,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
Part of Trump’s electoral successes have been cemented on his ability to deliver very simple political promises.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
One of the key panels of the conference highlighted the importance of this efficient, effective, and thorough communication across the organization.—
Mena Mirhom,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Rebuilding company trust requires honest leadership, true accountability and a thorough examination of the company’s values — and whether they’re being lived or merely listed on the company website.—
Alyshia Hull,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
Construction is about 20% complete, and the building is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year, said Lippman, the CEO of Carmen Schools.—
Mia Thurow,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
During World War II, a small section was used as air raid shelters, complete with heavy fortified doors.—
Antonia Mortensen,
CNN Money,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Google's position is in stark contrast to that of Meta, which has steadfastly refused to sign the agreement.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
30 July 2025
-
The blank walls are a stark contrast to the whimsical plastic tote bags—which are shaped like picnic baskets and range in color from bubblegum pink to deep royal blue—from which the company has built a cult following.—
Lindsey Choo,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sheer number of workers who are undocumented immigrants make the effect of widespread raids more pronounced.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
21 July 2025
-
In a picture at a piano, Alexa wore a pink, sheer dress that opened at her stomach, signifying that the couple was expecting a girl.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share