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 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

Hinckley launched a music career after being granted unconditional release in 2022, but found some concert venues weren’t receptive to hosting his performances.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time.

— Jack Moore, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

Other governments, including the US, have their own rules and disclosure requirements, but beyond the breadth of the controls in China, the sheer number of people affected is striking – and reaches far beyond civil servants.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Just look at the new stand — the sheer size of it shows the club’s ambition.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
For a generation that grew up under those glowing Pizza Hut pendants, the appeal is simple.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

In both cases, there is something at once magisterial and leadenly self-regarding about the melancholic rhythms of Cusk’s prose, with its stiff and stately syntax and its utter impatience with the real vagaries of difference.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
The Carolina Panthers played their offensive starters for three series on Saturday, and the result was an utter flop.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

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
But there are definite issues with trying to juggle everything at the same time.

— Charles Moss, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of definite

Adjective

While many indie brands are content with one or two signature or hero products that may account for north of 50 percent of their business, Westman Atelier has five or six that contribute double-digit penetration to the total brand.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
The City Attorney's Office has about 160 lawyers, including an Employment Law section with 17 total employees, according to the city.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

Craig said construction of the first stage of the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan was 84% complete.

— Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
But a complete turnover on defense, coupled with nonconference games at Georgia Tech and Northwestern, will lead to another losing season, after which both sides move in different directions.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorical

adjective

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