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generalization

noun

ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio)
Definition of generalizationnext
as in stereotype
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the generalization that children who like violent entertainment grow up to be violent criminals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of generalization The third is to develop novel variations of your stimuli or your benchmark items in order to test robustness and generalization. — Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 That is where business-specific nuance matters most, and where vendor generalization often fits least. — Andrew Siemer, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 But to make some generalization that all career women are psychotic because Glenn Close happened to be psychotic at the end of that movie is just silly. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 At last week’s meeting, though, Warsh spoke largely in platitudes and generalizations. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for generalization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generalization
  1. stereotype
  2. concept
  3. notion
  4. conception
  5. theory
Noun
  • The stereotype of an introverted software developer, siloed in an office far removed from the rest of the organization, will become a thing of the past.
    — Alberto Lugo, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And there is a popular stereotype out there that scientists are like these cold computers, and that has sometimes been my experience, but more often the opposite of my experience.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • As the ideas evolved, the story of Shaun being a mad scientist emerged as an early concept the team loved.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Its Asaya wellness concept comes with a full-size swimming pool and offers various dining options from Masayoshi Takayama’s Tobi Masa to New York cult favorite Carbone’s first outpost in London.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of concept
Noun
  • This fall, New York museums are mounting an intriguing mix of shows that speak to notions of girlhood, nostalgia, and feminine self-expression across time, cultures, and creative disciplines.
    — Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
  • As Nora’s feelings for Thomas butt up against her wish for a full-time offer at Platen, her romanticized notions of the people and place come crashing down.
    — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of notion
Noun
  • This is, of course, the conception of fundamentalist theology, which threatens eternal hellfire for anyone who defies its commandments.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Whether destruction or technological progress, both are purposeful activities, each with different conceptions of success or failure.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of conception
Noun
  • During cross-examination on Tuesday, Kosowski asked a detective to lift a cart with a person onto a desk in an attempt to disprove the state's theory, which the judge did not allow.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The quest for real-life warp drives Einstein taught us that objects with mass can't accelerate through space beyond the speed of light, according to his theory of special relativity.
    — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of theory

Browse Nearby Words

generality
generalization
generalizations
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Cite this Entry

“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generalization. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on generalization

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about generalization

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