as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose
there's nothing wrong with all-purpose flour for baking bread, but flour with more gluten is better
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of all-purpose
Use a solution of dish soap and water, antibacterial wipes, or an all-purpose cleaner to sanitize the hamper's surface.
—
Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2025
This all-purpose detergent is decadently (but not overwhelmingly) scented with notes of lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood for a bright, crisp scent, skillfully targeting dirt stains and grime every wash.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Mirrors and Windows Other surfaces that aren't well suited for your all-purpose cleaner are windows and glass.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
Cookies and cakes: For treats like cookies and cakes, substitute wheat flour with almond flour, cassava or tapioca flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for all-purpose
Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2025
This all-purpose detergent is decadently (but not overwhelmingly) scented with notes of lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood for a bright, crisp scent, skillfully targeting dirt stains and grime every wash.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Mirrors and Windows Other surfaces that aren't well suited for your all-purpose cleaner are windows and glass.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
Cookies and cakes: For treats like cookies and cakes, substitute wheat flour with almond flour, cassava or tapioca flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for all-purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for all-purpose
Adjective
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Get unlimited access to WIRED for only $2.50 $1 per month for one year.—
David Nield,
Wired News,
27 Apr. 2025
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Get the latest runway coverage and unlimited digital access to Vogue for $3 $1/month for one year.—
Irene Kim,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Indeed, a 2019 study by the Happiness Research Institute found that 73 percent of people who are happy with their homes also are happier in general.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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Shortly after the Legislature recessed, Sanders declined to rule out calling a special session to consider further cutting state income taxes after the end of fiscal 2025 on June 30 based on state general revenue tax collections.—
Josh Snyder,
Arkansas Online,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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But for a general-purpose Mac antivirus that will get along with your other devices, Bitdefender Antivirus remains an Editors' Choice winner.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Apr. 2025
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Our next generation of general-purpose technology marks an inflection point in task automation velocity.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“All-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all-purpose. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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