generalization
noun
gen·er·al·i·za·tion
ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌje-nə-
ˌje-nə-
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
made broad generalizations about women
3
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus
Examples of generalization in a Sentence
He made several sweeping generalizations about women.
She was prone to generalization.
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s a generalization, whereas in reality, humans are extremely multifaceted and can be so many things.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
This timeline is, of course, a generalization, with individual outcomes varying based on the specifics of the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Kirk also issued sweeping, negative generalizations about members of some minority groups, including Black people, which many critics viewed as racist.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
Apart from a few childhood friends, his wife, Rosemary Hobor, knew him the longest, but shares generalizations more than revealing anecdotes.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalization
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.
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
This timeline is, of course, a generalization, with individual outcomes varying based on the specifics of the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Kirk also issued sweeping, negative generalizations about members of some minority groups, including Black people, which many critics viewed as racist.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
Apart from a few childhood friends, his wife, Rosemary Hobor, knew him the longest, but shares generalizations more than revealing anecdotes.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalization
Cite this Entry
“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalization. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generalization
noun
gen·er·al·i·za·tion
ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
Medical Definition
generalization
noun
gen·er·al·iza·tion
variants
or British generalisation
1
: the action or process of becoming widespread or diffuse
secondary generalization of a partial seizure
2
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share