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 In the early days of alcohol taxation, there was less variation in alcohol categories and clearer distinctions between drinks, so the categorical tax approach made more sense. — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Blanche may have denied before Congress that the weaponization fund was moving ahead, but others have been less categorical, dropping hints that payouts remain in play. — Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026 The measure passed Wednesday stops short of a categorical ban that some have sought, but was still met with cautious optimism by traffic safety reformers. — Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 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 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
  • Hinckley launched a music career after being granted unconditional release in 2022, but found some concert venues weren’t receptive to hosting his performances.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart, having the absolute time of her life, allows the cool persona she’s cultivated across the modern indie scene to give way to an insecure brattiness that’s wonderfully refreshing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • Other governments, including the US, have their own rules and disclosure requirements, but beyond the breadth of the controls in China, the sheer number of people affected is striking – and reaches far beyond civil servants.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Just look at the new stand — the sheer size of it shows the club’s ambition.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • The task seemed like a simple one for a digital agent, as the booking form was online.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mungiu refuses to supply easy answers or simple paths to identification in this compelling provocation, which poses unresolvable questions to viewers about our biases and presumptions.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The utter carnage that follows brings major developments for all the main characters still on the chessboard — and many gruesome deaths by dragon fire, boiling oil, spikes and even catapults.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Tense football games tend to leave fans in utter distress, but not John Cena.
    — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 28 July 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • Many are confident that a deal will soon be reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even if there is no definite timeline.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Performance There’s a definite Jekyll-and-Hyde character about the way this new Amalfi Spider performs.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • During the height of that conflict, which had 42 days of active combat, the US sent six aircraft carriers to the region from a total fleet of 15.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For students from outside of Arizona, tuition is more than $35,000 and the total cost of attendance is around $60,000 before scholarships.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Howard County initially approved permits for the project but revoked them in February 2026, when construction was nearly complete.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of categorical for Spanish Speakers

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