categorically

adverb

Definition of categoricallynext
as in absolutely

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Example Sentences

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
  1. absolutely
  2. even
  3. completely
  4. entirely
  5. downright
  6. totally
  7. wholly
Adverb
  • The 28-year-old is another one who looks absolutely certain to start, playing 90 minutes in every one of the three league games so far.
    — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Other highlights include Billie’s (Lucy Freyer) fixation with feeling young, Julian Manjerico’s return as the absolutely unhinged Zack-Carlos and a brilliant penultimate episode about casual use of the C-word (hey, the British do it).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adverb
  • Bullock and Kidman have been doing the talk shows, the junkets, and even Therapuss.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Additionally, airlines are making moves for the fall and even the winter, extending seasonal flight routes beyond their usual September cutoffs.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of even
Adverb
  • Terrorism wasn’t a completely foreign concept, but the notion of a hostile, coordinated attack on our soil, at that scale, seemed like something that might only happen in a Tom Clancy novel or a summer blockbuster movie.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the union representing 8,000 Stellantis employees said contract negotiations have completely stalled over that same plant.
    — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of completely
Adverb
  • Advanced transmission technologies can reduce those losses and increase existing network capacity without requiring entirely new lines.
    — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Eliminate battery-recharging hassles entirely with the Eufy SoloCam E42 four-camera bundle.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of entirely
Adverb
  • While most commenters couldn't help but point out how on-theme the edible creation was, others were downright haunted by the price.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Jets’ offense has ranged from mediocre to downright awful during his time with the team.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of downright
Adverb
  • Dorothy and Jillian were also in disbelief, but totally engaged.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Ryans and the executives were totally convicted, saw Anderson as a force multiplier as both a player and a person and acted accordingly.
    — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of totally
Adverb
  • These disparate elements don’t wholly cohere, but the film still prods at ideas about maternal inheritance, feminine power, and community.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The combo wholly evoked the fall season and was completed with a set of leather boots.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of wholly

Browse Nearby Words

categorical
categorically
categories
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Cite this Entry

“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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