as in absolutely
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Recent Examples of categorically
The law firm representing the plaintiffs categorically denies any wrongdoing.
—
Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The physical damage, while alarming in its symbolism, is of a categorically different order from what has broken—and failed to break—great cities before.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
For Dungarpur, the program is categorically different from the film societies and clubs that have historically been independent cinema’s only theatrical outlet in India.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
During Sunday's interview, Conejo Arias categorically rejected the accusation.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
That doesn’t categorically rule out Denver landing a game as a visiting team, but typically teams are at least aware of the possibility by this point a little more than a month before the schedule is released.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Those were categorically false.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2026
The signatories of Tuesday’s letter categorically rejected the use of military intervention.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Anti-American and antisemitic rhetoric should be categorically unacceptable in any venue.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The physical damage, while alarming in its symbolism, is of a categorically different order from what has broken—and failed to break—great cities before.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
For Dungarpur, the program is categorically different from the film societies and clubs that have historically been independent cinema’s only theatrical outlet in India.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
During Sunday's interview, Conejo Arias categorically rejected the accusation.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
That doesn’t categorically rule out Denver landing a game as a visiting team, but typically teams are at least aware of the possibility by this point a little more than a month before the schedule is released.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Those were categorically false.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2026
The signatories of Tuesday’s letter categorically rejected the use of military intervention.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Anti-American and antisemitic rhetoric should be categorically unacceptable in any venue.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for categorically
Adverb
-
Zack Bolduc and Cole Caufield, on the power play, had spotted Montreal a 2-0 lead as the Bell Centre absolutely rocked again in the anticipation and hope that perhaps their team might take a 3-1 lead over the favoured Lightning.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Something that plays in the background during a late-spring Saturday cookout — you, scrolling on your phone down a long list of names, most of which mean absolutely nothing.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
One practical effect of that requirement was the protection of reliably Democratic-voting majority-minority districts, even in solidly red states where lawmakers could otherwise favor the GOP.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Missouri faces a legal battle over a referendum to redraw one key district even before weighing changes under the Supreme Court’s decision.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool completely, then use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind to a fine powder.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This campy, reality-shifting comedy series questions what would happen if a flaming misogynist woke up in a world that was completely matriarchal and subjugated men based on their gender.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Authorities say Walton, who was nearly entirely in the roadway, then placed the vehicle in drive and intentionally accelerated forward, striking the victim.—
Stepheny Price , Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
-
The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
Adverb
-
This lentil-barley salad, while packed with fiber and protein, is actually downright delicious.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Daring to dream of anything more felt selfish and indulgent, so a four-day solo wellness retreat in another country seemed downright irresponsible.—
Sarah Khan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Two totally platonic best bros set off on a quest of the heart, while rival soldiers compete over a world-altering prophecy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
-
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Those of us who love her were able to finally take a breather on this one when the film bros eventually shut up and were able to admit that Hathaway totally whips ass in this franchise closer.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adverb
-
Musgraves’ chameleon soul is clearly her superpower, as none of those new terrains have ever felt wholly out of place for her.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The album, which is comprised almost wholly of covers spanning yacht rock mainstays, also includes one original Urban song to round the package out.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Categorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/categorically. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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