CATEGORICAL Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

categorical

adjective

ˌka-tə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl

variants also categoric

Definition of categorical

as in unconditional

having no exceptions or restrictions a categorical denial of the rumors that the celebrities were planning to get married

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fine points of class-action law were, of course, less influential than Crenshaw’s insistence on paying close attention to the way Black women were treated by the courts, and the essay’s most memorable lines were broader categorical claims. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 This language is stronger and more categorical than that for strict scrutiny. — Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026 My own victories over gout are less categorical. — Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 At least on the surface, there seems to be a categorical difference between descriptions of the material and descriptions of the mind. — Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for categorical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical

Adjective

My love is unconditional and nothing will separate me from your cheesy beefy burrito and avocado chicken stacker.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Each fellow will also retain the unconditional right to publish in any journal, even if the findings are critical of Polymarket.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

Cyrus’ flawless-looking skin was in part thanks to the Maybelline New York Lifter Plump and Glow Foundation, a sheer base that can be built up for more coverage.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
For her main ensemble, the Catwoman star wore head-to-toe black, including a strappy triangle bikini layered beneath a semi-sheer coverup that doubled as a minidress.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Abernathy Greenway Park walk with Trees Atlanta Take a walk through the park with a Trees Atlanta docent, who will teach simple tricks for telling trees apart and share stories about why trees are important and how to protect them.

— Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The Oldest Person in the World takes an ostensibly simple premise and explores its deeper resonance.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

Tense football games tend to leave fans in utter distress, but not John Cena.

— Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 28 July 2026
The violence of the newborn micrometeoroid's exile was followed by an epoch of utter silence, as its orbit was subtly influenced by the unseen forces of the solar system.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

Dunphy said a definite ask by the city will be an insistence on a labor-harmony agreement that ensures union jobs.

— Jason Quick, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

Data from the Office of Personnel Management shows that the agency lost more than 3,300 staff, roughly one-quarter of its total workforce, over the past fiscal year.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
The entrepreneur’s efforts secured him a place on the list of the Philippines’ 50 richest in a challenging year when a weaker peso took a toll on the total wealth of the country’s tycoons, which shrank 8% to $79 billion.

— Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

The cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz north of Oman suffered a complete blackout, according to a report from the Marisks maritime risk management group.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Once their spring blooms are complete, Aggrey meticulously collects the seed pods from the clarkias, gilias and phacelias, processes the seeds and packages them for gifting before the subsequent spring.

— Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

catechumens

categorical

categorically

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“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorical

adjective

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