Synonyms of general

general 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjen-rəl 

1

as in overall

belonging or relating to the whole

a general increase in postage rates

there's been a general improvement in the economy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overall
• generic
• common
• universal
• broad
• blanket
• global
• wide
• widespread
• extensive
• collective
• broad-brush
• sweeping
• across-the-board
• comprehensive
• wholesale
• overarching
• pervasive
• ubiquitous
• full
• aggregate
• worldwide
• complete
• planetary
• broad-gauge
• plenary
• all-embracing
• broadscale
• inclusionary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• particular
• individual
• local
• component
• partial
• regional
• divisional
• fragmentary
• constituent
• sectional
• localized
• cross-sectional

2

as in broad

relating to the main elements and not to specific details

gave the general impression of being kindhearted

a general course of study in American history

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overall
• broad
• comprehensive
• vague
• nonspecific
• extensive
• wide
• bird's-eye
• all-around
• vast
• inclusive
• infinite
• expansive
• sweeping
• panoramic
• absolute
• boundless
• indeterminate
• nebulous
• unspecified
• nondescript
• unlimited
• unrestricted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• specific
• detailed
• limited
• molecular
• restricted
• distinct
• explicit
• full
• precise
• specified
• comprehensive
• particular
• particularized
• sharp
• thorough
• individual
• elaborate
• delineated
• close-up
• singular
• itemized
• enumerated
• peculiar
• listed
• mapped (out)
• inventoried

3

as in prevailing

held by or applicable to a majority of the people

it was the general opinion that the politician was a liar

the general mood of the nation was one of hope and optimism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prevailing
• overall
• public
• popular
• common
• predominant
• unanimous
• majority
• usual
• current
• present
• received
• ruling
• vulgar
• universal
• typical
• dominant
• contemporary
• widespread
• characteristic
• prevalent
• familiar
• everyday
• communal
• pop
• pervasive
• household
• preponderant
• well-known
• shared
• rife
• pandemic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• special
• uncommon
• unusual
• strange
• rare
• unknown
• individual
• personal
• unique
• peculiar
• unpopular
• separate
• distinctive
• private
• especial
• idiosyncratic
• singular
• nonpublic

4

as in unlimited

not limited or specialized in application or purpose

a new kitchen tool of general usefulness

a general education

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unlimited
• unrestricted
• general-purpose
• catholic
• unspecified
• unspecialized
• unqualified
• all-purpose
• wide
• all-around
• multipurpose
• broad
• vague
• nonspecific
• mixed-use

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• technical
• limited
• specialized
• restricted
• definite
• confined
• finite
• qualified
• selective
• bounded
• dedicated
• circumscribed
• determinate
• demarcated

general

2 of 2

noun

as in executive

Related Words

• executive
• director
• governor
• commander
• chief
• administrator
• employer
• principal
• manager
• boss man
• leader
• superior
• boss
• master
• supervisor
• mistress
• superintendent
• captain
• foreman
• overseer
• steward
• standard-bearer
• helmsman
• higher-up
• headman
• honcho
• kingpin
• straw boss
• taskmaster
• skipper
• overlord
• sovereign
• leadman
• hierarch
• president
• head
• jefe
• ruler
• potentate
• king
• taskmistress
• prince
• forewoman
• figurehead
• princess
• baron
• gaffer
• big gun
• ganger
• queen
• czar
• magnate
• mogul
• top dog
• top gun
• bigwig
• big cheese
• czarina
• coleader
• cohead

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of general

Adjective

There is just enough wry humor—think Shaun of the Dead—sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too grim, often deriving from Bryan’s cluelessness and general lack of skills. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

McDonald's will share its outlook for general and administrative spending during investor day, Borden said in August. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Noun

As strikes hit multiple Ukrainian regions and Russia’s Belgorod, Zelensky disputes claims of an energy-infrastructure truce while Moscow decorates a Baltic Sea ship captain and confirms a general’s death. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

There is reason to be cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the director-general of the World Health Organization said Wednesday. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing general

• in general