as in absolutely
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Recent Examples of categorically
In 2020, Idaho was the first state in the country to approve the measure categorically barring transgender women and girls from women’s and girls sports.
—
Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
But when Bronwyn sits down with Meredith to recap their conversation, Meredith categorically denies ever asking what was said at lunch.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, David Meier, one of the attorneys of record for Diggs, confirmed that the veteran NFL wide receiver categorically denies the claims brought against him and added the dispute was between an employer and an employee.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Through his lawyers, Kennedy has categorically denied those rumors.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Trump has categorically not ruled out a ground invasion of the South American nation.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Attorneys for Alabama argued that test scores above 70 should categorically exclude inmates from being considered intellectually disabled.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
Janice Combs categorically denies it.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Dec. 2025
In the later statement, Farage categorically denied the allegations against him.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025
Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
But when Bronwyn sits down with Meredith to recap their conversation, Meredith categorically denies ever asking what was said at lunch.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, David Meier, one of the attorneys of record for Diggs, confirmed that the veteran NFL wide receiver categorically denies the claims brought against him and added the dispute was between an employer and an employee.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Through his lawyers, Kennedy has categorically denied those rumors.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Trump has categorically not ruled out a ground invasion of the South American nation.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Attorneys for Alabama argued that test scores above 70 should categorically exclude inmates from being considered intellectually disabled.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
Janice Combs categorically denies it.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Dec. 2025
In the later statement, Farage categorically denied the allegations against him.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
Adverb
-
And the difference between absolutely nailing a passage and creating a feeling of transcendent gloriousness in the concert hall and abject failure is usually about a millimeter.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Emma Stone Speaking of bobs, Emma Stone's is absolutely iconic.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Survey respondents shared multiple ways that unemployment can have a negative impact including cancelling dates for financial reasons and hesitating to even ask someone out at all.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Whether your commute involves public transit, a handful of blocks, or even a flight, the Professional Boston BS Leather Clogs are designed to serve you from the journey to the desk.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
More than once, Coon and Smallwood are completely nude on stage, as Agnes and Peter lay hidden parts of their psyche bare.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Before cleaning any type of stovetop, be sure the burners are turned off, and every surface is completely cool to the touch.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Impacts will depend heavily on how close the storm tracks to the coast, with some scenarios bringing significant precipitation and others missing the area entirely.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
With the Chiefs missing the playoffs entirely in a disappointing season, the way could be cleared for Allen to finally take his team to the title game.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
After the twinkling lights of the holiday season have been packed away, winter can feel downright dull and desolate, especially for families with energetic kids trapped inside by the cold.—
Erica Jackson Curran,
Parents,
11 Jan. 2026
-
And as a new Forbes report explains, some of America's most popular cities are becoming downright unmanageable.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
This book is totally devastating.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Hundreds of thousands of people poured into our Country totally unvetted and unchecked.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
That was four-minute behavior, and wholly appropriate.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
Sarah Moss,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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