generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən  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

Synonyms of generalization

• stereotype
• concept
• notion
• conception
• theory

Examples of generalization in a Sentence

He made several sweeping generalizations about women.

She was prone to generalization.

Recent Examples on the Web

If there are any generalizations to be made about how different areas raise different types of players, Latson is qualified to make them. —Rebecca Shore Winn, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

This is a generalization, of course, and many only children are very social with other kids. —Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026

Those decisions remain governed by statute and must be based on individualized assessments, not generalizations. —Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026

They're exhausted by the constant airing of grievances having little to do with what's actually going on in the country, and by the broad generalizations about, well, everything, that ignore context, nuance and facts to promote a political viewpoint. —Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

generalize + -ation

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for generalization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Kids 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

ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

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