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
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
The bylaws contain categorical exclusions that prevent discretion in certain circumstances while allowing loopholes to be exploited in others.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Jackson is categorical in his own defense.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026
The bylaws contain categorical exclusions that prevent discretion in certain circumstances while allowing loopholes to be exploited in others.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Jackson is categorical in his own defense.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
-
In 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Rheims, France, ending its role in World War II.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
The Angels designate for assignment veteran slugger Albert Pujols, for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
And amidst delicate stripes, elastic waistbands, and flowing silhouettes, pajama pants have gone from a passing trend to an absolute staple of the contemporary wardrobe.—
Marilú Almaguer,
Glamour,
9 May 2026
-
Just a force on the mound, and an absolute bulldog in terms of innings.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Given the sheer number of stocks offering dividends, identifying the right ones is not always straightforward.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
-
Not to mention, there’s the sheer natural beauty of the Verde River and the red-rock formations the region is known for.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The New York Knicks took care of business, to say the least, against the Philadelphia 76ers with another utter demolition on the road in a close-out game.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
The obituaries, social media posts and GoFundMe pages capture the utter despair of the families, though none of them reckon with the decision not to get the vitamin K shot.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Meeks said there was a definite measure of satisfaction derived from the project.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
From one set of perspectives, money is said to be a thing that exists in a definite quantity—ideally gold, but now bits on a computer; ensuring that the right amount of money exists is the only way to avoid a host of macro-economic problems.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rams, Week 9 The Los Angeles Rams led the league in scoring, total yards, passing yards and yards per play last season.—
Nicki Jhabvala,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
Some environmental advocates who had called for a total ban of wild manta ray captures for aquariums, domestically or abroad, said the decision Wednesday was still a welcome change.—
Max Chesnes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Both reiterated, however, that the investigation was still active and the translations almost complete.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Her 18-year prison sentence was suspended, but her foundation says the conditional release is insufficient and demands her complete and unconditional freedom.—
Sarah el Deeb,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
