generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈje-nə-ˌrāt 

generated; generating; generates

transitive verb

1

: to bring into existence: such as

a

: procreate, beget

b

: to create by means of a defined process : produce

generate electricity

generating profits/growth

images generated by a computer

2

: to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

These stories … generate a good deal of psychological suspense …

—Atlantic

3

: to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations

especially : to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve

Synonyms of generate

• create
• cause
• bring
• produce
• prompt
• do

Examples of generate in a Sentence

windmills used to generate electricity

This business should generate a lot of revenue.

We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting.

His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists.

Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement.

They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.

Recent Examples on the Web

For a movie that had once been generating top Oscar buzz, including a potential first win for Cruise, it has since been hit with critiques that have described it as baffling, brilliant or just plain bad. — David MacK, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

Ellison and Kreiz will also be under pressure to deliver a clear roadmap for generating bigger profits from its streaming pillars, HBO Max and Paramount+. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

The tax generates more than a half-billion dollars for county public schools, district estimates show, and the vast majority of it supplements the salaries of teachers like Fortich. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026

Finding ways to generate more downfield passing gains was a focus, and Edwards found more success. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin generatus, past participle of generare, from gener-, genus descent, birth — more at kin

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing generate

• self-generate

Rhymes for generate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt 

generated; generating

1

: to bring into existence

generate electricity

2

: to be the cause of or reason for

news that generated excitement

generative

-ə-ˌrāt-iv, 

-(ə-)rət-

adjective

Medical Definition

generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt 

generated; generating

transitive verb

: to bring into existence

especially : procreate

generate innumerable offspring

intransitive verb

: to produce offspring : propagate