CATEGORICALLY Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

categorically

adverb

Definition of categorically

as in absolutely

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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 El-Sayed has since disavowed Piker’s controversial statements and ended plans for joint campaigning, but has not categorically repudiated him nor apologized for appearing with him. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026 El-Sayed has since disavowed Piker's controversial statements and ended plans for joint campaigning, but has not categorically repudiated him nor apologized for appearing with him. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 Flynn took the witness stand in an oxford gray suit and categorically denied having sex with either of his accusers. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Vargas found that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his authority by categorically stopping consular officers from issuing visas based on applicants’ nationalities. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically

Adverb

This month absolutely flew by and October should be more of the same.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Cornstarch and pigskin have absolutely nothing in common, at least on the surface.

— Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of absolutely

Adverb

In other cases, Virginia prosecutors have previously brought their own expert witnesses to counter an insanity defense at trials or even disputed the claims without their own expert, according to reports and court records.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026
In some analyses involving individual elements or combinations of rare earths, the odds ratios exceeded 3 or even 4.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of even

Adverb

These dangerous illnesses are all completely preventable and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper vaccines to protect the health of our families and children.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
The wall is also fragile and cannot be completely preserved, so archaeologists will use modern technology to create a 3D reconstruction for further study.

— Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of completely

Adverb

Beijing, for its part, scrapped levies on South African imports entirely as part of its move this year to extend its zero-tariff policy across the continent.

— Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
According to Parris, prior to the 18th century, blacksmiths made nails entirely by hand, which meant no two were exactly alike.

— Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of entirely

Adverb

Some say the public backlash to AI, and OpenAI, is partly because messaging from the leading labs can be esoteric, rather than grounded in the day-to-day benefits of AI, and in some cases, downright frightening.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Why, those teeming crowds just outside the shows are their own lively scene, filled with exciting, unexpected, and downright inspired takes on what’s happening in fashion.

— Phil Oh, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of downright

Adverb

That’s an ethos wholly rejected by Trump, of course, but one that suits China, at least as rhetoric.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026
Too often, environmental advocates insist on the elimination of poaching, logging, and other harmful activities while remaining wholly unfamiliar with the factors at play that lead to predation, neglect, and abuse of nature.

— Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorically

adverb

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