as in absolutely
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Recent Examples of categorically
Any claim to the contrary is categorically false.
—
Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Applying intelligence means something categorically different.
—Rohit Kedia, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
In its ruling, the court found that, pursuant to federal immigration law, only recent immigrants apprehended at the border or a point of entry — such as an airport — can be categorically denied bond.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 9 May 2026
The public opposition to Moscow’s demands on territorial concessions have not budged either, with a majority of Ukrainians continuing to categorically reject territorial concessions.
—Lena Surzhko Harned, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
The law firm representing the plaintiffs categorically denies any wrongdoing.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The physical damage, while alarming in its symbolism, is of a categorically different order from what has broken—and failed to break—great cities before.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
For Dungarpur, the program is categorically different from the film societies and clubs that have historically been independent cinema’s only theatrical outlet in India.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
That doesn’t categorically rule out Denver landing a game as a visiting team, but typically teams are at least aware of the possibility by this point a little more than a month before the schedule is released.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Applying intelligence means something categorically different.
—Rohit Kedia, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
In its ruling, the court found that, pursuant to federal immigration law, only recent immigrants apprehended at the border or a point of entry — such as an airport — can be categorically denied bond.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 9 May 2026
The public opposition to Moscow’s demands on territorial concessions have not budged either, with a majority of Ukrainians continuing to categorically reject territorial concessions.
—Lena Surzhko Harned, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
The law firm representing the plaintiffs categorically denies any wrongdoing.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The physical damage, while alarming in its symbolism, is of a categorically different order from what has broken—and failed to break—great cities before.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
For Dungarpur, the program is categorically different from the film societies and clubs that have historically been independent cinema’s only theatrical outlet in India.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
That doesn’t categorically rule out Denver landing a game as a visiting team, but typically teams are at least aware of the possibility by this point a little more than a month before the schedule is released.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
Adverb
-
That’s the kind of scandal the royal family wants absolutely nothing to do with, particularly as a new generation represented by William and Kate looks to modernize the institution.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
31 May 2026
-
The jump scares alone are absolutely insane with the Woojer on.—
Joe Salas
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
Adverb
-
The clubby Le Bar Botaniste (named for Prince Roland's favorite area of study) stocks an array of rare botanical spirits; there's even an absinthe fountain.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Several analysts argue that an open Strait of Hormuz, even one partly controlled by Iran, would inflict less damage on the global economy than one that is closed.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Adverb
-
Renwick’s belief that athleticwear designers were for too long a time absorbed in making men’s lives easier — and efforts to reverse this pattern by turning its gaze towards women — completely revolutionized the industry, which is why the brand is a no-brainer addition to this article.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
Healey, a former two-term attorney general, is completely disregarding public safety by her reckless rhetoric and actions – all to win another election.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
Adverb
-
The most effective way to protect human health would be to cease the use of PFAS entirely in all but the most essential of products.—
Carrie McDonough,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
-
The 2026 election cycle is projected to produce a GPI of 45, a 30% jump, driven entirely by new maps rather than any change in voter behavior.—
Bruce Sibley,
Time,
29 May 2026
Adverb
-
The case for the Spurs – In this era of chronic nonchalance, Wembanyama’s willingness to care, cry, celebrate and give a darn is downright endearing.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
The orchestra is huge, the musical invention, irresistible, and the sheer scale of orchestral writing is downright heroic.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Adverb
-
And then there’s my white slip-on shoes that are comfortable for all-day walking (and are totally TSA-friendly).—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
Analyzing these outcomes, Goldman’s Megan Peters wrote in a note this morning, seen by Fortune, that the biggest risk of outright stockouts (where inventory is totally depleted) is in non-oil commodities, where markets are less global, and supply is often regional.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Adverb
-
Sure, TravisMathew earned its stripes in men’s golf apparel, but the brand took a wholly different path in regards to the women’s lineup.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
Four percent of those polled were wholly undecided.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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