as in absolutely
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Recent Examples of categorically
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
Adverb
-
From German dudes discovering Waffle House in the Deep South to Japanese fans experiencing chips and salsa overload in Texas, it's been absolutely beautiful seeing the guests of this great nation being exposed to the best parts of our culture stateside.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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Kate O’Flynn plays the absolutely wonderful Patricia, who gets two of the season’s best episodes.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Adverb
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Unsurprisingly, some rival schools and conferences, even Tech's own Big 12 Conference, haven't exactly been pleased with this outcome.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
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Addressing reporters for the first time since The Associated Press projected a November runoff between her and Mayor Karen Bass, Raman said residents are losing faith in the city’s ability to solve even basic problems and are demanding a different approach.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
Adverb
-
Authorities will not be able to begin their investigation into the cause of the fire until it is completely extinguished, Heefner said.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Rosa Emanuela Lo Faro, an Italian lawyer who represents some of the minors, told CNN that in some cases the children were completely cut off from their lives back in Ukraine.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Adverb
-
Letterman began hosting Late Night in 1982, and his offbeat humor created an entirely new era of late night television.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
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Their participation is entirely dependent upon the first team qualifying for next season’s Champions League.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
Adverb
-
This perky, self-aware, sarcastic and downright silly show caters to both the more traditional Goodspeed audiences.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
-
The dialogue is uninspired (occasionally downright trite) and the characters aren't well developed, most notably Kingsley's weak-willed amoral scientist and Whitaker's reluctant empath—both exceptionally gifted actors who are largely wasted here.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
13 July 2025
Adverb
-
The editors totally, completely, utterly rubbed my face it in this week.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Kinsella didn’t see the label as totally negative.—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
10 Dec. 2025
Adverb
-
All this while presiding over the largest outbreak of measles in the US in more than two decades, which by June 2025 had killed three people in a wholly vaccine-preventable tragedy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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The wave of investment led by Google will be a chance to stitch a new neighborhood together, one not wholly dependent on office workers, said Ariella Gibson, a spokesperson for the Chicago Loop Alliance.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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