as in type
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic
the crime novel, written from the criminal's perspective, is sometimes seen as a particular species of the detective story genus
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genus
These shrubs belong to the same genus and have similar pruning times.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Homo sapiens had already evolved, but weren’t the only members of our genus on the planet, as our direct ancestors were joined by the neanderthals, the denisovians, and possibly by the final surviving members of Homo erectus.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
Even then, those might not have identified specimens beyond genus or family.
—Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 2025
But modern, cold-adapted, dam-building beavers of the genus Castor appear to have evolved roughly 12 million years ago, perhaps in response to cooling temperatures.
—Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Homo sapiens had already evolved, but weren’t the only members of our genus on the planet, as our direct ancestors were joined by the neanderthals, the denisovians, and possibly by the final surviving members of Homo erectus.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
Even then, those might not have identified specimens beyond genus or family.
—Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 2025
But modern, cold-adapted, dam-building beavers of the genus Castor appear to have evolved roughly 12 million years ago, perhaps in response to cooling temperatures.
—Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genus
Noun
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Cornejo secured a nomination for best contemporary Mexican music album, and DannyLux earned a nomination in the same category.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
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Fares vary based on numerous factors, from cruise line type to cabin category – and sailing date.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But from a young age, Keaton seemed to understand that actual beauty, the timeless kind, required a degree of depth, even darkness.—
Adrienne LaFrance,
The Atlantic,
12 Oct. 2025
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The novel application of the existing test is described in preliminary, first-of-its-kind research to be presented Tuesday at the 38th ECNP (European College of Neuropsychopharmacology) Congress in Amsterdam.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Now, however, a study has found that this identification was wrong, and the fossils actually belong to a species new to science.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
9 Oct. 2025
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Beyond species protection, the project also advances ethical shearing practices, fiber contribution programs supporting regional artisan communities, as well as a transparent and traceable supply chain for vicuña fiber.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genus. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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