as in absolutely
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Recent Examples of categorically
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
But in August 2025, the transportation agency adopted a new policy categorically prohibiting surface art in existing installations and seeking removal of existing street art without exception, Rosner said.
—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
3 June 2026
Moral reasoning is categorically different.
—
Ted Chiang,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
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
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
But in August 2025, the transportation agency adopted a new policy categorically prohibiting surface art in existing installations and seeking removal of existing street art without exception, Rosner said.
—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
3 June 2026
Moral reasoning is categorically different.
—
Ted Chiang,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
Adverb
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That’s where three University of Iowa economists — Robert Forsythe, George Neumann and Forrest Nelson — met for food and beers and kvetching about just how badly the polls had missed the mark on the Michigan Democratic primary the day before, when Jesse Jackson absolutely trounced Michael Dukakis.
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To absolutely no one’s shock, this latest Prisoner’s Share kicks off with lots of fruit on the nose.
Adverb
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And for a new employee, the reasons are even more pronounced.
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Ippei Naoi | Getty Images Investors continue to rely on professional financial advisers for their final investment decisions, even as artificial intelligence becomes more widely used in the initial stages of research, according to a survey by HSBC.
Adverb
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While Syd cares deeply about the restaurant, Richie’s entire sense of self-worth and identity is completely intertwined with it.
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These claims are completely unfounded.
Adverb
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The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
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The 1973 oil shock forced Japan, then almost entirely dependent on cheap Middle Eastern oil, to reinvent its industrial model, Tanaka argues.
Adverb
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David Foster Creates Hits, Discord The parallels get downright bizarre when songwriter-producer David Foster enters the story of both groups at roughly the same time.
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The rhythm section is downright molten, an understated, earthy sway beneath Davis’ soaring melodies.
Adverb
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Linger there for some stargazing beneath a sky totally untainted by light.
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In Indiana, things were totally different.
Adverb
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For the memorial game, the Feeneys had reverted to their old batting order, so after Greenberg, the lineup would be wholly composed of Feeney elders.
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Her style was wholly her own, with a delightfully strange mix of off-kilter compositions, deadpan facial expressions, and historical references.
Cite this Entry
“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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