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without exceptions or conditions; absolute; unqualified and unconditional:
a categorical denial.
Logic.

(of a proposition) analyzable into a subject and an attribute related by a copula, as in the proposition “All humans are mortal.”.
(of a syllogism) having categorical propositions as premises.

of, relating to, or in a category.
Contemporary Examples

No, the Act categorically moved some of our A-list holidays from their rightful and legitimate places on the calendar to…Monday.
Today is George Washington’s Birthday—Except It’s Not Kevin Bleyer February 16, 2014

It also seems odd that a project praising the map would be so categorically troubled by GPS.
Crazy Cartography: Artists and Writers Conjure a Slew of Imaginative Maps Lauren Elkin April 12, 2014

The Ohio suit claims that the board squelched dissent by categorically turning down pro-camp nominees.
Why Are Girl Scout Camps Being Closed? Alessandra Rafferty January 11, 2014

It also categorically rejects the immigration compromise passed by the Senate in June 2013.
At Retreat, Republican Alternatives Are Just Repeats Ben Jacobs January 30, 2014

No matter how many countries there are with Jews, the existence of a Jewish State is categorically different—and essential.
Recognition of ‘Jewish State’ is Necessary for Peace Talks Micah Stein July 18, 2013

Historical Examples

He passes the gods of the world in review and categorically dismisses each one as a myth.
Theism or Atheism Chapman Cohen

He then asked her what the contents were, and she described them categorically.
The Romance of His Life Mary Cholmondeley

Germany categorically stated that she was unable to give a similar undertaking with reference to the French colonies.
The Great War and How It Arose Anonymous

The matter was decided, scientifically and categorically, and no appeal allowed.
Myths of the Rhine X. B. Saintine

I do not—to-morrow I will make an opportunity in which you will have to answer them all categorically—do you hear?
The Career of Katherine Bush Elinor Glyn

adjective
unqualified; positive; unconditional: a categorical statement
relating to or included in a category
(logic) another word for categorial
adj.

1590s, as a term in logic, “unqualified, asserting absolutely,” from Late Latin categoricus, from Greek kategorikos “accusatory, affirmative, categorical,” from kategoria (see category). General sense of “explicit, unconditional” is from 1610s. Categorical imperative, from the philosophy of Kant, first recorded 1827. Related: Categorically.