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

Having absolutely no chance of playing past the 162 and getting to plan your offseason appropriately.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
But neither source absolutely predicts whether 2026 will be a record-warm year, the spokesperson said, citing NOAA physical scientist Russell Vose.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of absolutely

Adverb

And as direct as the ad is (more on it in a moment), the film goes even harder.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Flashbacks to recent events reveal that the townspeople never let Hal find peace, and even firebombed his home, only for a grown-up Noah — Kerry’s son, and Zoe’s grandson — to save him and regenerate his skin using Zoe’s covert alien tech.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of even

Adverb

The third, Surrender, is a massage performed in water, in which the buoyancy and warmth allow the body to completely relax and let go.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
What’s different about this style is that its uppers are completely decorated with small, shimmering crystal details in a silvery, light-catching finish.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of completely

Adverb

Adding power without new wind farms One of the more interesting possibilities is that high-altitude turbines could eventually be added to existing wind farms rather than requiring entirely new sites.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
The first attempt to start Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ended in confusion as cars crawled around the Sepang track at slow speeds or stopped entirely as drivers and teams tried to restart their systems.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of entirely

Adverb

Raya Sanggingan Banjar Lungsiakan Clever planning, fresh design, private courtyards, and infinity pools make this resort feel modern—yet totally at home in Ubud.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Yeah, that’s surprising to me because that totally made sense that River would have kicked him out of the car.

— Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of totally

Adverb

Multifaceted and deeply mindful, the Healing Village Spa at this classic beachfront resort's treatments are wholly original and sublimely rejuvenating.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Crafted with shimmering elements throughout the sheer design, the dress was wholly ornate.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of wholly

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“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorically

adverb

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