as in absolutely
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Recent Examples of categorically
The accusation that Jeffrey Epstein somehow worked for Israel or the Mossad ran a blackmail ring is categorically and totally false.
—
Efrat Lachter , Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
That’s an argument Democrats have categorically rejected, especially when it’s been used to prevent members of Congress from entering detention centers run by ICE.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
The Manhattan Federal Court complaint against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department says a policy categorically barring visa applicants from 75 countries is based on demonstrably false claims that immigrants of specific nationalities rely on cash welfare.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 2 Feb. 2026
This 1,500-island archipelago in Indonesia, midway between Australia and Thailand, is categorically the world’s best diving location.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
But equally, is there reason to categorically rule him out?
—Ian Irving, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Idaho, meanwhile, has categorically banned transgender athletes since 2020.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2026
Technologies that were initially touted as silver bullets were later shown to have unintended consequences for ecosystems and vulnerable communities; while others that were categorically seen as enemies turned out to be critical in enabling breakthrough solutions.
—Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
The regime also categorically prohibited women from performing solo in public.
—Richard Nedjat-Haiem, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Efrat Lachter , Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
That’s an argument Democrats have categorically rejected, especially when it’s been used to prevent members of Congress from entering detention centers run by ICE.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
The Manhattan Federal Court complaint against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department says a policy categorically barring visa applicants from 75 countries is based on demonstrably false claims that immigrants of specific nationalities rely on cash welfare.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 2 Feb. 2026
This 1,500-island archipelago in Indonesia, midway between Australia and Thailand, is categorically the world’s best diving location.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
But equally, is there reason to categorically rule him out?
—Ian Irving, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Idaho, meanwhile, has categorically banned transgender athletes since 2020.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2026
Technologies that were initially touted as silver bullets were later shown to have unintended consequences for ecosystems and vulnerable communities; while others that were categorically seen as enemies turned out to be critical in enabling breakthrough solutions.
—Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
The regime also categorically prohibited women from performing solo in public.
—Richard Nedjat-Haiem, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
Adverb
-
That’s the biggest takeaway from the singer/songwriter’s magical, spirited and joyous performance Saturday night in front of a sold-out, absolutely reverent crowd at Target Center in downtown Minneapolis.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
-
And that is absolutely devastating to our student stability.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The outcome of her lawsuit could affect the hundreds of other cases by families who say their own children have been harmed or even died because of social media.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The old charge didn’t even come up in an online background check, Stamos-Buesig said.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
At that point, our planet will be gone completely.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Standing in an envy-worthy walk-in closet completely makeup-free, the Emma actress modeled a series of wardrobe staples, including a black bomber jacket, a gray wool peacoat, a leather funnel neck jacket, and a plunging V-neck cardigan.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Even the audience was made up entirely of robots, which reinforced the scale of the production.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Still, training efforts don’t fall entirely on management and incentives, according to IBM’s Neil Dhar, senior vice president of consulting in the Americas.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Exceptionally capable, thoughtfully designed, and downright durable—this stroller is outdoorsy parent-approved.—
Erica Zazo,
Outside,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The teenaged girl group — consisting of members Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian and Ye-on — has released fun, energetic and downright catchy music over the last year since their February 2025 debut.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Each guest space has a different design, but there are visual through lines and an overall tight aesthetic that manages to feel both throwback (think early 20th century Marrakech, Corfu, or Cairo) and totally current (open any issue of AD).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
This denim style comes with a totally fresh perspective, which means even the most basic T-shirt from your dresser drawer suddenly looks cool and modern.—
Lucía Tejo,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The film earned a history-making 16 Oscar nominations, along with being a box office smash, and much of its success is due to Jordan’s delicate and dynamic work as two wholly unique characters.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Pugh’s dress wholly evoked dark glamour, with a high neckline, fluttering short sleeves and a hint of contrasting fabric throughout the design of the dress.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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