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 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
  1. unconditional
  2. absolute
  3. sheer
  4. simple
  5. utter
  6. definite
  7. total
  8. complete
Adjective
  • Crocker, who survived the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, said that at this point an unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic should be the objective.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Ramp, the corporate card and expense management company backed by Iconiq and valued at $44 billion, is now Senra’s largest advertiser and, by CEO Glyman’s own description, an unconditional backer.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • Yet Ada is an absolute delight, hilariously satirical and brilliantly made.
    — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Despite its sulfuric stench, in a stroke of absolute luck, this meteorite crashed into the right house.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • The aspiring model was blooming in florals in the sculptural look, which featured a strapless bubble top paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, both of which were embroidered with purple and blue floral designs.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Yet, in the last two years, this sentiment of sheer doom has slowly and steadily begun to give way to a tentative yet very much present hope.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • One solution would be a relatively simple expansion of the southern end of the Stadium of Light to mirror the height of the west and north.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Food safety experts say a few simple habits can make a difference.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The Springboks struggled to reflect their utter domination on the scoreboard and ought to have doubled their seven actual tries by seven different scorers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • The problem is Will Ferrell as Lonnie Hawkins, an utter miscalculation of characterization and performance chiefly responsible for turning what could be middling comedy into an unbearable slog.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • That would be the definite masterpiece that’s difficult for anyone to surpass.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • The publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking—unlikely, possible, definite, indefinite, cancelled, then actual—makes As Always, Julia intensely suspenseful.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • Democrat Alisa Simmons has raised roughly two-thirds of Republican incumbent Tim O’Hare in total political contributions in the Tarrannt County judge race from February to July.
    — Rachel Royster July 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • That’s a total reduction of about 3 million acres in southern Utah.
    — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s third career complete game was the highlight of the win in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Sunday.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • The robots perform a complete workflow, including collecting materials, placing components with precision, interacting with inspection equipment and returning finished products.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of categorical for Spanish Speakers

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