variants also categoric
Definition of categoricalnext

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
  • Rose quartz is known to open the heart chakra and promote unconditional love.
    Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
  • The powerful day — like many of our other portals — has its origins in numerology, as the number six represents a time of unconditional compassion and nurturing.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Japan hasn’t made access to lawyers during interrogations an absolute right despite being a member of The Group of Seven (G7) – an intergovernmental forum of the US and other Western allies that often emphasizes the importance of human rights and the rule of law.
    Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Plenty of people will argue that the absolute best way to eat watermelon seeds is roasting them.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, Lisa attended the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in a sheer Jacquemus look, and in January, Kith named her guest designer for its spring 2026 collection.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 June 2026
  • Elizabeth Hurley looked incredible in a black string bikini and sheer pants on Instagram.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Armando Chavez, owner of local business NorCal Siders, was brought in for a simple roof patch-up but left with a big idea.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • The cause can be something as simple as a lack of water or more complex, like fungal wilt diseases, tomato wilt viruses, walnut toxicity, or boring insects.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The battle that follows — a muddy and mean scrum — is even more ghastly, partly for its utter pointlessness.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • All to the utter indifference of a Hollywood that hadn’t even bothered to hear of him.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • From indie shorts and arthouse features to 3D family-friendly blockbusters, Canada’s presence this year is a definite sign of a resilient animation industry.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • Despite that, her royal status has come with one definite perk.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to its most recent figures, ingredient sourcing accounts for over 70% of Nestlé’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
    Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • Atlanta's starting five was also a total buzzsaw.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Janet agreed to pay over $8,600 in restitution and complete 150 hours of community service.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • But the call of the stage was so strong that Abdul-Mateen II made a complete career change in his late 20s.
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 14 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on categorical

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster