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
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
With no cup football or match load to hide behind, this was a firm, categorical choice by Farke to make Darlow his first choice and Perri his back-up.
—
Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026
Psychological distress rarely maps cleanly onto categorical diagnoses.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026
Psychological distress rarely maps cleanly onto categorical diagnoses.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
-
It has also been used when a player retires at a young age without getting an unconditional release, but then returns to playing.—
Ed Guzman,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Last month, her government unveiled a legal reform allowing the deportation of foreigners who have been sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for serious crimes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This is an ideal solution for technically adept web admins who prioritize cost-effectiveness, absolute control, and performance.—
Gabriel Zamora,
PC Magazine,
8 Mar. 2026
-
This is your absolute minimum savings target for your emergency fund.—
Christine Benz,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the end, his sheer inattention to your pleasure was what made the decision for you.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Much of the buildout is being paid for with operating cash flows, but the sheer magnitude of the spending has prompted companies to shake up the calculus by bridging the gap between capex and free cash flow with bonds.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When Rob revealed his true identity on the Season 4 finale, Maura’s reaction was one of utter shock.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The biggest question many are asking is why the Jets would bring back Smith after his first tenure with the team was an utter disaster.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
November 22 – December 21 Shallow curiosity can unfurl into something more definite at this time.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Shallow curiosity can unfurl into something more definite at this time.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
With a total investment of $520 million, the fully operational station is expected to generate 792 million kWh of electricity annually, that is enough to power around 600,000 households.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Out of a total 275 seats in Nepal’s lower house of parliament, counting was in progress for 165 seats that are elected by direct election, while the remaining 110 will follow a system of proportional representation.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bahrain and Qatar have effectively halted production of oil and LNG, keeping output at a trickle to avoid complete shutdowns that could damage reservoirs and delay restarts.—
Amena Bakr,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a classic shift dress.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
