variants
also categoric
as in unconditional
having no exceptions or restrictions
a categorical denial of the rumors that the celebrities were planning to get married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 categorical
My own victories over gout are less categorical.
—
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
At least on the surface, there seems to be a categorical difference between descriptions of the material and descriptions of the mind.
—Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026
The bylaws contain categorical exclusions that prevent discretion in certain circumstances while allowing loopholes to be exploited in others.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Jackson is categorical in his own defense.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
At least on the surface, there seems to be a categorical difference between descriptions of the material and descriptions of the mind.
—Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026
The bylaws contain categorical exclusions that prevent discretion in certain circumstances while allowing loopholes to be exploited in others.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Jackson is categorical in his own defense.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for categorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorical
Adjective
-
Also, nothing in the Davis-Stirling Act says that the HOA’s obligation to repair the property depends upon whether the HOA can afford the expense, so the duty is unconditional.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
Her unconditional love rivaled that of the most loyal golden retriever.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
To get to work with him as an actor is an absolute joy.—
Abbi Jacobson,
IndieWire,
30 May 2026
-
But the majority ruled that our liberties are not absolute.—
Diana Gitig,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
But moving Cale just to stay in that neighborhood would be sheer Looney Tunes.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
The NikeCourt dress features a black, lightweight semi-sheer dress layered over a crimson tank and is currently sold out.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
In 2015, Lynette was arrested on charges of assault and battery/simple assault.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
28 May 2026
-
When Stagg’s calculations lead him to conclude that an almighty storm is set to break on June 5, 1944 — the day originally earmarked for the Normandy landings — after a long period of balmy calm, potentially scuppering the entire vast project, his simple but urgent advice is to wait a day.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
When the squad reported back to Kirkby five days after his death, the training complex was a scene of utter devastation.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
On their first two trips to the property, the enormity of the task at hand—and their utter naiveté in taking it on—sank in.—
Ingrid Abramovitch,
Architectural Digest,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
The answer is a definite no, don't add red food coloring to your hummingbird food recipe.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
-
Keep words warm, yet clear and definite today so everyone relaxes sooner.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Patriot Rail’s Cowlitz County and Columbia Railway warehouse and locomotive repair shop building, where the fire originated, was a total loss.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
The series generated 878,000 total viewers across two half-hour shows on Friday, May 22, according to Nielsen data.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The unfussy style features a sleek silhouette, complete with a scoop neckline and a moderate-coverage bottom.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
-
Alison Ortega threw a complete game with seven strikeouts in La Mirada’s 5-1 win over La Habra.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorical. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
