variants also categoric
Definition of categoricalnext

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 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 The bylaws contain categorical exclusions that prevent discretion in certain circumstances while allowing loopholes to be exploited in others. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026 Jackson is categorical in his own defense. Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
  • Rose quartz is known to open the heart chakra and promote unconditional love.
    Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
  • The powerful day — like many of our other portals — has its origins in numerology, as the number six represents a time of unconditional compassion and nurturing.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Japan hasn’t made access to lawyers during interrogations an absolute right despite being a member of The Group of Seven (G7) – an intergovernmental forum of the US and other Western allies that often emphasizes the importance of human rights and the rule of law.
    Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Plenty of people will argue that the absolute best way to eat watermelon seeds is roasting them.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, Lisa attended the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in a sheer Jacquemus look, and in January, Kith named her guest designer for its spring 2026 collection.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 June 2026
  • Elizabeth Hurley looked incredible in a black string bikini and sheer pants on Instagram.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • My wife goes into the kitchen and returns with beer, fruit, and a few simple dishes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The measure needs a simple majority to win.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Trump has opened our eyes to the consequences of extreme greed, corruption, cruelty, and utter disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
  • Tharmarajah provides a great balance of comic relief and utter poignance, explaining his survival techniques as an orphan, carving out a pragmatic path in life leading to a particular kind of soaring.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is a definite increase in riders who camp out, play loud music, are menacing, smoke, or walk back and forth selling products or asking for handouts and riders who shout, swear and intimidate.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • Of course, there are definite drawbacks to this method, such as making your car more vulnerable to theft or vandalism, not to mention damage in the event of an unexpected rainstorm.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Most of this year’s total tally erosion traces to a single category.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • Coker can make up to $41 million in total incentives across four years, as the extension adds to the qualifying offer Coker signed as an exclusive rights free agent earlier this offseason.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Put simply, Maine would not be Maine without its lobster—and a trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete without eating some.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • That single trait adds a complete unpredictability to Waddle’s breaks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on categorical

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster