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categorical

adjective

ˌka-tə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce categorical (audio)
variants also categoric
Definition of categoricalnext
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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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 categorical slipperiness of concrete finds its echo in the unbounded experience of the building from within. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 For now, video officials will be limited to categorical errors, such as a second caution given to a player for handball when replays prove the ball hit them in the face. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 By 2024, just two-thirds of districts’ funding came from the foundation allowance; the rest came mostly from state categorical grants. — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 Sensitive capability can come with tighter contractual and technical controls instead of a categorical no. — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
  1. unconditional
  2. absolute
  3. sheer
  4. simple
  5. utter
  6. definite
  7. total
  8. complete
Adjective
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated Moscow's demand for a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary break in hostilities, following Ukraine's call for a complete and unconditional ceasefire.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated Moscow’s demand for a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary break in hostilities, following Ukraine’s call for a complete and unconditional ceasefire.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • Since no single party is expected to obtain an absolute majority, the winner will need to negotiate with others to form a governing coalition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • For context, my son is an absolute car enthusiast, but the mom and her son at soccer practice were not.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • The large number of undecided voters this close to the election points to voters being overwhelmed by the sheer number of statewide ballot measures, DiCamillo said.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • But the sheer volume of planning in Miami has also raised questions about power and the role Cubans on the island will play in a transition.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The simplest distinction is powered flight versus unpowered glide.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • Food and drink The food is a definite highlight here, with several places to eat and drink.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There are definite signs of flagging Republican interest in the Georgia race.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • While the total economic fallout of an extreme El Nino is hard to calculate, losses from past events have reached trillions of dollars, according to HSBC's Global Investment Research, which warns the numbers could be even bigger this time.
    — EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The analyst pointed to data that shows DKeX ranked third for total share of prediction markets volume last week, with Polymarket and Kalshi leading by a wide margin.
    — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Many organizations don’t have a complete inventory of where cryptography is being used today.
    — Evgeny Gervis, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Once that happens, the attackers have the token that gives complete control over the Muse account.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

catechumens
categorical
categorically
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Cite this Entry

“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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