CATEGORICALLY Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

categorically

adverb

Definition of categorically

as in absolutely

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically

Adverb

How did Bi work for Bryan for any length of time without absolutely losing his mind?

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Consequently, Parton’s catalog experienced an absolutely gigantic surge on Tuesday following the news of her passing.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of absolutely

Adverb

The Twins pulled even in the second inning on Lee’s RBI single.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of even

Adverb

Russian forces have long targeted the strategic cities of Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as part of a push to completely capture the Donetsk Oblast, one of the Kremlin’s key objectives in the conflict.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which was directed by Robert Zemeckis with animation overseen by Richard Williams, takes every aspect of itself, even the zany silliness of cartoons, completely seriously, while never losing sight of the fun.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of completely

Adverb

However, what’s entirely unexpected is the sparrow continuing to fly around even when Hal takes his ring back.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Locals say that the theater used to be visible from the road below, but today it is covered entirely by thick undergrowth.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of entirely

Adverb

At a party one night, struggling musician Owen strikes a connection with a young woman (Sadie Soverall) that feels downright magical — she’s even dressed as a fairy, emphasizing the dreaminess of the moment.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Saving our forests from catastrophic fire while allowing slow-burning fires to replenish our landscapes will take everyone pulling together in the next 10 years on projects that feel, well, downright destructive.

— Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of downright

Adverb

Billie is a pro at this by now, which extends to wingman-ing, but Issa totally lost her skills after being out of the game so long.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
In reality, Young came up with a totally different concept for the tour shortly before rehearsals began.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of totally

Adverb

Within the oeuvre of the Muppets’ cinematic and televisual work, Miss Piggy hasn’t ever wholly been a punch line — her image is too dexterous for that.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
As rookies in 2022, Mike LaFleur was a first-time play caller from the Kyle Shanahan tree devoted wholly to his scheme.

— Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wholly

Browse Nearby Words

categorical

categorically

Cite this Entry

Style

“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of categorically

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes