generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio) ˌje-nə- How to pronounce generalization (audio)
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
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

generalize + -ation

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalization was in 1761

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalization. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

generalization

noun
gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on generalization

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