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 Patel was pressed on the FBI’s hiring standards The FBI quietly issued guidance this past spring lifting a categorical hiring restriction on applicants who had previously participated in prostitution. — Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 The categorical slipperiness of concrete finds its echo in the unbounded experience of the building from within. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 For now, video officials will be limited to categorical errors, such as a second caution given to a player for handball when replays prove the ball hit them in the face. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 By 2024, just two-thirds of districts’ funding came from the foundation allowance; the rest came mostly from state categorical grants. — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for categorical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical

Adjective

South Korea has not given the project an unconditional green light and says its participation will depend on the economics.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated Moscow's demand for a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary break in hostilities, following Ukraine's call for a complete and unconditional ceasefire.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

My absolute dream is to be on a television comedy and just get to go to work and laugh all the time, and continue to write more of these shows and tour them.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
The combined implication of transitivity and the infinitive verb is that, speaking conceptually, the artist engages a category of encounter that is absolute, while process and contingency govern the actuality of the work as a function of time.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

Known as the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place gets its name from English buccaneer-cum-naturalist William Dampier, who was overcome by the bay’s sheer abundance and the size of the marine predators during a visit in 1699.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Through the sheer force of his will and his brilliant comedic timing, Bratton was elevated to a cast member by the second season.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Ahead, design industry pros share the 7 decor mistakes that could be outdating your living room, along with simple fixes to refresh the space.

— Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
The equation is even simpler for Bernie Margulies, CEO of American Compute, which advises on risk management for GPU financing.

— Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien,Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.

— Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

The battery accounted for more than half of the drone’s total weight, forcing the students to account for its mass throughout the flight.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
The new options will bring the total count down to 254 seats from 278 on those planes.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

The incoming wave hits a slanted wall, bounces off at an angle, and rapidly spirals into complete unpredictability.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
An almost complete goddess torso, identified as the Roman goddess of victory, includes wings, a palm branch, and a victory laurel.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorical

adjective

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