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 Instead, researchers have sought compelling evidence that quantum proofs are categorically different from classical ones. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026 The numbers are categorically different from anything American public life has seen before, and the institutions meant to respond to that fact are largely failing to do so. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Speaking with Le Monde, Costa has categorically denied the accusations. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 July 2026 Within days of the announcement, the American Medical Association and dozens of medical societies urged DHS to categorically exempt physicians, residents, and fellows based on workforce needs and the realities of underserved care. — Lorraine D'alessio, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically

Adverb

The very next day, Bahrain accused Iran of firing a drone that damaged a desalination plant—a facility absolutely critical to the tiny Gulf state for converting seawater into drinking water.

— Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
But insufficient compensation, unclear incentives or weak financial security can absolutely undermine motivation.

— Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of absolutely

Adverb

Like whether aliens will be announced by the US government, whether a coup attempt will take place in Russia — even whether the earth is flat.

— Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Appointment television has become a rarity for Gen Z, which was raised on on-demand cartoons and can’t even identify a channel guide.

— Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of even

Adverb

Communists want to end capitalism and replace it with a system where almost all private property is outlawed and the economy is completely run by the state.

— Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 10 July 2026
The north offers something completely different to the south.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Definition of completely

Adverb

And Harleys has entirely redesigned the rear -suspension and increased its travel 117 per cent to five inches (13 cm).

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
The possibility of disruptions to oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz, however, might not entirely be discounted, which could complicate energy supply calculus.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of entirely

Adverb

Fans believed, after the squad looked downright impressive in group play and gutted out a knockout win after losing their top scorer to a questionable red card.

— Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 7 July 2026
Tornadoes can happen anywhere that storm fuel and spin overlap, but this week has been downright bizarre.

— Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of downright

Adverb

Bond has always been an intriguing vessel; by design, the spy is detached and isolated, a character who can disappear into the shadows and emerge totally fixated on a new mission with his past loves and losses brushed off with ease.

— Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
There’s something powerful about pairing a hundred-year-old heritage object with something that feels totally of-the-moment.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

Definition of totally

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categorically

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“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of categorically

adverb

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