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

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 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

Adjective

The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

Almost all have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
This perfume features notes of cacao absolute and caramel, along with green hazelnut, jasmine sambac absolute, cedarwood, ambroxan, and moss providing a nutty and earthy element, too.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

The facts of his biography, no matter how outrageous, could not possibly explain the sheer derangement of his output.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
This means investor scrutiny will extend beyond the sheer scale of AI investment to encompass debt burdens, capital costs, and return timelines.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.

— Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

Our first round of the showcase had a definite dumpling theme, which included the dumpling trio from China pavilion and two orders from Gyozas of the Galaxy, including basil pesto chicken (creamy) and street corn-style (sorta spicy).

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Serving a vital manufacturing and export region in China, the Shenzhen facility supports growing cross-border trade, e-commerce shipments and time-definite international express services.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

The calculation refers to nominal total returns, combining coupon income and changes in the bond's market price.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
The team was unable to protect its quarterbacks or consistently move the ball, finishing last in the NFL in total offense while allowing a league-high 64 sacks.

— Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

catechumens

categorical

categorically

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of categorical

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes