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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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

Adjective

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
At its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.

— Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

Haiti’s Wilson Isidor had an absolute screamer from outside the box against Morocco.

— Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Molecular self-assembly meets graphene Silicon solar panels have dominated the market for decades, but are rapidly hitting an absolute physical efficiency limit.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Nonetheless, some 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed across two sunny days at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, proving that some cocktails can become refreshing daytime summer sippers just by sheer force of will, and a little crushed ice.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.

— Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

There is a definite flight to quality, with newer, more amenity-rich buildings — known as Class A buildings — seeing strong demand, while older buildings sit half empty.

— Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 July 2026
The visual transformation is worthy of a Marvel movie, and there are definite vibes of Tony Stark.

— Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

The total increases to $256 for 11 to 15 mph over the limit, $281 for 16 to 20 mph over, and $334 for more than 20 mph over.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
The Cubs have a total bonus pool of $9,644,100, nearly identical to their 2025 number.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

Roupp fought to stay in the game and record the first complete game of his career, but at 104 pitches, Vitello went to his bullpen to seal the blowout win instead of pushing his starter.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
These days, a complete Wirkkala set can fetch upwards of $3,600.

— Jessica Salter, CNN Money, 7 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorical

adjective

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