categorically

adverb

Definition of categoricallynext
as in absolutely

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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 categorically 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 That is simply categorically not the case. — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 June 2026 The team implied — but didn’t state categorically — that the discussions centered on the team’s current tenancy at Soldier Field rather than possibilities for a new stadium in Chicago. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
  1. absolutely
  2. even
  3. completely
  4. entirely
  5. downright
  6. totally
  7. wholly
Adverb
  • The best intentions absolutely go out the window, for almost any writer, when faced with the reality of conceiving an entire world; what to include, what to cut, what is absolutely necessary and what can be left in an older draft.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The humor — especially in terms of the comedic timing — absolutely sparkles in this production helmed by director Charles Pasternak.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adverb
  • Get ready for even more classic TV cast reunions to take up the airtime!
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 July 2026
  • Kennedy, who was running for president as an independent at the time, even appeared on the red carpet for the show’s final season premiere in 2024.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of even
Adverb
  • But just like all other houses in Collins First Nation, her home was completely destroyed by the fires.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Student-athletes may have to adjust to a new coach, a new culture, new expectations and sometimes a completely different philosophy.
    — Timothy Baghurst, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of completely
Adverb
  • And Harleys has entirely redesigned the rear -suspension and increased its travel 117 per cent to five inches (13 cm).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The possibility of disruptions to oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz, however, might not entirely be discounted, which could complicate energy supply calculus.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of entirely
Adverb
  • The sound of the hybrid V8 is mighty, and the sound of the upshifts and downshifts is downright violent.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 July 2026
  • The club, in search of a lower salary, could get downright negative and personal.
    — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of downright
Adverb
  • Telemundo isn’t totally new to his bar, which is a hotspot for loyal soccer fans.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • And typically, the extreme radiation around these stars totally strips the atmospheres from the planets orbiting them, so astronomers have wondered if planets orbiting these stars can have an atmosphere at all.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of totally
Adverb
  • While this option will be wholly voluntary, the testing will be incorporated into routine annual physicals of all active military personnel born as male.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Major Gulf cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait City and Jeddah, are almost wholly dependent on desalinated water.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of wholly

Browse Nearby Words

categorical
categorically
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Cite this Entry

“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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