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 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
  1. unconditional
  2. absolute
  3. sheer
  4. simple
  5. utter
  6. definite
  7. total
  8. complete
Adjective
  • Crocker, who survived the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, said that at this point an unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic should be the objective.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • Gary had the punchout on Mafah that served as the big highlight, but Ezeiruaku was moving with absolute ease off the edge in generating pressure on Prescott.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • Enter coconut-milk nails, the internet’s new nickname for a wash of sheer white.
    — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 25 July 2026
  • Unlike traditional nail polish, nail concealer is a sheer, tinted treatment that helps disguise everything from breakage and discoloration to ridging.
    — Alexis Berger, InStyle, 25 July 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • One solution would be a relatively simple expansion of the southern end of the Stadium of Light to mirror the height of the west and north.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Food safety experts say a few simple habits can make a difference.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The violence of the newborn micrometeoroid's exile was followed by an epoch of utter silence, as its orbit was subtly influenced by the unseen forces of the solar system.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 July 2026
  • The Springboks struggled to reflect their utter domination on the scoreboard and ought to have doubled their seven actual tries by seven different scorers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • The Mets, unlike Chapman’s surging Red Sox, are definite sellers.
    — The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • Which is more valuable might depend on where AI is as a technology, according to Joe Tigay, portfolio manager for the Rational Equity Armor Fund, a fund that prioritizes total return on investment.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • In its simplest form, scientists can put a chunk of soil in a mason jar, measure how much gas is released over time, then extrapolate a total figure.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Provide a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, including tasks from other teams, to give managers a complete picture.
    — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The couple is ready for a complete change in scenery, eying winters in Hawaii.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of categorical for Spanish Speakers

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