absolutely

adverb

ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
Synonyms of absolutely
1
: in an absolute manner: such as
a
: completely or totally
absolutely certain
an absolutely clear explanation
often used as an intensive
an absolutely brilliant performance
an absolutely awful experience
You're absolutely right.
b
: with unlimited power
ruling absolutely
2
a
used in speech as a forceful way of saying "yes" or of expressing agreement
"Would you like to see a movie tonight?" "Absolutely!"
"We all need to work harder." "Absolutely!"
b
used in speech in the phrase absolutely not as a forceful way of saying "no" or of expressing disagreement
"Do you think he's right?" "Absolutely not!"
3
mathematics : with respect to absolute values
an absolutely convergent series

Examples of absolutely in a Sentence

He is absolutely certain who will win. Let me make one thing absolutely clear. Keep absolutely quiet during the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Who can travel so far north – further north than any city in the US or Canada – to visit this one-of-a-kind place and this absolutely unique building that is like nothing that was ever built before? Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 At least for the moment, this absolutely looks like a Playoff team. Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Berry struck me as someone who absolutely would fixate on the general worsening direction of things. Joe Fassler, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026 Unfortunately for him — but fortunately for the rest of us — he was absolutely demolished by a police officer who was at the top of his game. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absolutely

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from absolut absolute + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolutely was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Absolutely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

absolutely

adverb
ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
: in an absolute way : completely or definitely
you are absolutely right

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