CATEGORICALLY Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

categorically

adverb

Definition of categorically

as in absolutely

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Recent Examples of categorically Murray said he is not categorically opposed to a data center in Waxhaw, but any proposal would need to be governed by clear rules that account for its effects on surrounding neighborhoods and the town’s utilities. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026 Jafri has categorically denied any wrongdoing in the Dubai sale. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Biological and chemical weapons are categorically off-limits. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2026 Instead, researchers have sought compelling evidence that quantum proofs are categorically different from classical ones. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026 The numbers are categorically different from anything American public life has seen before, and the institutions meant to respond to that fact are largely failing to do so. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Speaking with Le Monde, Costa has categorically denied the accusations. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 July 2026 Within days of the announcement, the American Medical Association and dozens of medical societies urged DHS to categorically exempt physicians, residents, and fellows based on workforce needs and the realities of underserved care. — Lorraine D'alessio, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The quality of a child’s public school education being determined by ZIP code is categorically unfair AND inefficient. — Dr. Gisele C. Shorter, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically

Adverb

Her fitful vocals capture the chaos of love, the maddening ability of a partner to absolutely wreck a mind or heal it.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026
Structure becomes a build fact instead of a review opinion, and agents respect build facts absolutely.

— Evan J. Schwartz, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of absolutely

Adverb

This case is small enough for spontaneous games by the lake, in an airport lounge, or after a long lunch that stretches into sunset cocktails—even the simplest games deserve first-class treatment.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
Sporadic attacks risk largely blocking the waterway In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has shown that even sporadic attacks on ships can be enough to effectively close a critical waterway by driving up risks and insurance premiums.

— Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of even

Adverb

Solar eclipse watchers have for centuries vividly described an eerie phenomenon known as shadow bands that appears just before and after totality — the period when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light and the sky goes dark.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
After baking, make sure your bread is cooled completely on a wire rack.

— Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of completely

Adverb

Its latest pickup, the Ford Fathom, will cost a downright cheap $28,350, which should set it up to be a massive seller.

— Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
The director got delightfully weird and downright hilarious in his first Marvel outing—but where was that magic the second time around?

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of downright

Adverb

Where else would an internationally prestigious hotel group—born of Nobu Matsuhisa’s passion for gastronomy and wholly connected to the world of film thanks to De Niro—settle down?

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
One vital part of opening our heart to such insights into God’s nature and our wholly spiritual expression of Him is engaging with the Bible and the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health.

— Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of wholly

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categorically

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“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorically

adverb

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