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
While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers.
—
Colin Flint, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
Rather than jumping right in with accusations or sweeping generalizations, the goal is instead to frame your concerns in a way that prompts conversation—not combat.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
That’s not true — very subjective and extreme generalization.
—Andy Hoglund, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the musician suggested that accounts sharing generalizations about symptoms that could signify certain mental health conditions has led to an uptick in potentially harmful self-diagnoses.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalization
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Colin Flint, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
Rather than jumping right in with accusations or sweeping generalizations, the goal is instead to frame your concerns in a way that prompts conversation—not combat.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
That’s not true — very subjective and extreme generalization.
—Andy Hoglund, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the musician suggested that accounts sharing generalizations about symptoms that could signify certain mental health conditions has led to an uptick in potentially harmful self-diagnoses.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 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 12 May. 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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