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.
Forecasting the Field While Kehlani is a strong contender for the category, the R&B space has absolutely expanded, while seeing the return of some of R&B’s original icons. — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026 So, remember that your diet can absolutely play a role in supporting your focus and energy. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026 Method acting is a technique in which an actor embodies a character absolutely, usually both on- and off-camera, for months at a time (and sometimes, as in the curious case of Austin Butler’s Elvis accent, beyond the project itself). — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 One man that absolutely had her back, however, was her father — Joel Retzlaff. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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