variants
also categoric
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
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Recent Examples of categorical
Hegseth has loosely moderated his once categorical opposition to women serving in ground combat roles after years of arguing that women should be excluded from front-line units.
—
Steven Beynon, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026
Homeland Security officials directed KFF Health News' inquiries to the White House, which did not answer questions about individual waiver timelines or the possibility of a categorical exemption for the health care industry.
—Arielle Zionts, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Describing something as ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ tends to fall into more of a rigid categorical thinking narrative.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
In 1911, Sombart returned with an even more categorical case for ethnic determinism.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Steven Beynon, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026
Homeland Security officials directed KFF Health News' inquiries to the White House, which did not answer questions about individual waiver timelines or the possibility of a categorical exemption for the health care industry.
—Arielle Zionts, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Describing something as ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ tends to fall into more of a rigid categorical thinking narrative.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
In 1911, Sombart returned with an even more categorical case for ethnic determinism.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
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This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the unconditional love waiting for you at home.—
Cathy M. Rosenthal,
San Antonio Express-News,
10 Feb. 2026
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The reason Venus thrives in Pisces is that the planet yearns to be unconditional, adaptable, tender, and creative.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Texans deserve absolute assurance that no taxpayer dollars are used—directly or indirectly—to support institutions tied to terrorist organizations, criminal networks, or foreign adversaries.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Our 4,000 employees are the absolute best in the business.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For something a bit more romantic, grab a set of sheer lace curtains for just $11.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
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The sheer number of potential new species illustrates just how little of Argentina’s deep-sea biodiversity has been explored — and how much there is left to protect.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Feltner’s routine was pretty simple.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
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Crime 101 takes the same view of quid pro quo as the most basic form of American commerce and makes simple but brutal points about value and self-worth, where your car, its year, make and model, matters more than your resumé.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Other than Arturs Silovs, who was sensational between the pipes, and a spirited performance from rookie Ben Kindel, the Penguins produced an utter no-show against a surging Ottawa team.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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The content suggests yet another another instance of ICE's utter depravity.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Currently, Scream 7 is great with the 17-34 bunch and multicultural audiences across definite interest and first choice.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
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There's a definite need to take a look at systemic safety on our roadways.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Garrett added 60 total tackles, tying a career high.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Some economists suggested last week's rise could be statistical noise, and the total number remains relatively low compared with history.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The couple—who got engaged last summer—stepped out for the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival last night; this time, looking equally loved up but embracing complete polar-opposite fashions.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2026
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For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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