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

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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 Jane’s belief in forgiveness crashes up against the far less categorical reality of a vicious world when the Lawsons are dropped into a situation of extreme terror. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 Patel was pressed on the FBI’s hiring standards The FBI quietly issued guidance this past spring lifting a categorical hiring ban on applicants who had previously engaged in prostitution. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for categorical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical

Adjective

In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.

— Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.

— D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

But a low percentage of a rapidly expanding population still produces a rising number of older adults in absolute terms, and that number may continue to rise as the residents who arrived during the past two decades of growth age in place.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
Closures should be an absolute last resort — not a response to short-term budget or enrollment pressures.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

The sheer math of persuading a majority of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the president to approve a bill is difficult enough.

— Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Vaccarello, whose spring 2027 show marked his 10th anniversary at Saint Laurent, has become a celebrity favorite thanks to his ability to telegraph power and sexuality through sheer, slinky gowns and sharp-shouldered suits with equal measure.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

That single choice unleashes a harrowing chain of strange and terrifying events in the dead of night, turning a simple gesture of kindness into a real-life nightmare.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Waffles and pimento Another enduring element of Chick-fil-A is its famously simple menu.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 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

There’s definite enthusiasm and activity — and backed up by financial support — something which for such an iconic brand has been a very long time coming.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Food and drink The food is a definite highlight here, with several places to eat and drink.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

The new commitment brings RedBird's total contribution to Skydance to $6 billion, the person said, asking to not be identified because the financing hasn't yet been made public.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
The twist is, the would-be brides and grooms must hand total control of their love lives to their families.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

Cupping treatments come in detoxifying and cellulite targeting versions, and there's a complete slate of massage, sugaring, waxing, aromatherapy, and hair and makeup options.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.

— Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorical

adjective

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