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
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
Much of his attention that evening is focused on Alma’s star doctoral student Maggie (Ayo Edebiri), who responds to his playful taunting about why her generation is so guarded by pinpointing it to the moment his generation started making sweeping generalizations about them.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Design for specialization, not generalization.
—Dhanya Shah, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Instead of making sweeping generalizations, Sagaram recommends zeroing in on specific actions.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalization
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Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Much of his attention that evening is focused on Alma’s star doctoral student Maggie (Ayo Edebiri), who responds to his playful taunting about why her generation is so guarded by pinpointing it to the moment his generation started making sweeping generalizations about them.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Design for specialization, not generalization.
—Dhanya Shah, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Instead of making sweeping generalizations, Sagaram recommends zeroing in on specific actions.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 7 Aug. 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 10 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
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