variants
also categoric
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
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Recent Examples of categorical
Hegseth has loosely moderated his once categorical opposition to women serving in ground combat roles after years of arguing that women should be excluded from front-line units.
—
Steven Beynon, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026
Homeland Security officials directed KFF Health News' inquiries to the White House, which did not answer questions about individual waiver timelines or the possibility of a categorical exemption for the health care industry.
—Arielle Zionts, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Describing something as ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ tends to fall into more of a rigid categorical thinking narrative.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
In 1911, Sombart returned with an even more categorical case for ethnic determinism.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Steven Beynon, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026
Homeland Security officials directed KFF Health News' inquiries to the White House, which did not answer questions about individual waiver timelines or the possibility of a categorical exemption for the health care industry.
—Arielle Zionts, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Describing something as ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ tends to fall into more of a rigid categorical thinking narrative.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
In 1911, Sombart returned with an even more categorical case for ethnic determinism.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
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This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the unconditional love waiting for you at home.—
Cathy M. Rosenthal,
San Antonio Express-News,
10 Feb. 2026
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The reason Venus thrives in Pisces is that the planet yearns to be unconditional, adaptable, tender, and creative.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Texans deserve absolute assurance that no taxpayer dollars are used—directly or indirectly—to support institutions tied to terrorist organizations, criminal networks, or foreign adversaries.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Our 4,000 employees are the absolute best in the business.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For something a bit more romantic, grab a set of sheer lace curtains for just $11.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
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The sheer number of potential new species illustrates just how little of Argentina’s deep-sea biodiversity has been explored — and how much there is left to protect.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That simple sentiment distills what being a Louisianan is about.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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No doubt history would be very different if a citizen’s duty was simple obeyance.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In response to claims by the prominent late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in court documents that Wexner was among men Epstein trafficked her to, Wexner testified to utter devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail.—
JULIE CARR SMYTH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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For those captains and their countries, anything less than outright victory is an utter failure.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a definite possibility.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
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There are definite pros and cons to buying silver once your working days are over, experts say.—
Aly J Yale,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In 2019, China alone accounted for 70% of our total business.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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In this case, there are alternative options that don't have to include total abstinence from eating at a local fish fry.—
John Shumway,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The couple—who got engaged last summer—stepped out for the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival last night; this time, looking equally loved up but embracing complete polar-opposite fashions.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2026
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For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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