1
as in overall
belonging or relating to the whole
a general increase in postage rates there's been a general improvement in the economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details
gave the general impression of being kindhearted a general course of study in American history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people
it was the general opinion that the politician was a liar the general mood of the nation was one of hope and optimism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose
a new kitchen tool of general usefulness a general education
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in executive
Related Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of general
CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The court in Brinkman highlighted precedent supporting the position that a taxpayer who contributes to the state’s general-revenue fund should not be able to sue over how that fund is used.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Matt Brittin, formerly Google’s EMEA president, has been named the new director-general at the BBC.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
Inmates can earn associate degrees in arts, general studies, business administration, public leadership, or science, or certificates in business management and public administration.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The court in Brinkman highlighted precedent supporting the position that a taxpayer who contributes to the state’s general-revenue fund should not be able to sue over how that fund is used.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
Quite simply, if two Republicans make it to the general, Democrats will have only themselves to blame.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Matt Brittin, formerly Google’s EMEA president, has been named the new director-general at the BBC.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
Despite that, overall launch conditions remain favorable.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
-
These factors include temperature, wind, cloud cover and the overall health of the launch vehicle.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The agency's move from its current location in Washington, DC, to Utah's capital city is part of a broader strategy to place the forest service closer to the Western states that comprise the majority of the 193-million-acre forest system, the USDA announced March 31.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
On the broader military front, thousands of Marines aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in the Middle East on Friday, with additional forces en route from the West Coast.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Harvesting seed nearby is a way to get plants that are genetically adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions and are more likely to thrive.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2000, voters approved Proposition 34, which limited how much a person or group could donate to a campaign to under $3,000 — since raised to $5,900 — but allowed state political parties and their county satellites to raise and give virtually unlimited amounts.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Manuela Moscoso is the inaugural executive and artistic director of CARA (Center for Art, Research, and Alliances) and has served as curator of the Second Bienal das Amazônias (2025), the Eleventh Liverpool Biennial (2021), and the Bienal de Cuenca (2014).—
Manuela Moscoso,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The former Fortune 100 company marketing executive rescued a white rabbit that a family with kids no longer wanted.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Foundayo is a small molecule whereas Zepbound and Wegovy are peptides, which require more intensive manufacturing processes, a barrier Ricks thinks will hinder generic versions of Wegovy that have recently launched in some other countries, including India.—
Angelica Peebles,Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Without that, intelligence — human or artificial — becomes generic.—
Jason Dressel,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a new kind of public-land group gaining momentum out West, and this one is wading unapologetically into the political arena.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Each fellowship is accompanied by a $75,000 unrestricted grant.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Assuming there will be a cap on the amount of unrestricted free agents a team can select, the Fire and Tempo will be looking for players in the bargain bins.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
