Definition of generalizationnext
as in stereotype
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the generalization that children who like violent entertainment grow up to be violent criminals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 generalization 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 At Tuesday’s meeting, the issue hit close to home as South Asian residents challenged generalizations made about their community. Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for generalization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generalization
Noun
  • Leaning into the stereotype that only pain can create great comedy is a bold choice when trying to make the argument about what’s wrong with an AI program leaning into stereotypes.
    Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In this case, some of the false storylines included racist stereotypes.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • There was experimental literature in which the role of the author could be tweaked; in popular fiction, authorship could be a flexible concept.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The concept behind the design pays homage to a longtime Davis tradition.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The notion of compliance as an interconnected system aligns with broader trends in risk management.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In the immediate aftermath of the tornadoes, Whitmer's office asked for an investigation into why the National Weather Service hadn't issued a tornado watch ahead of the storms, hinting at the notion that federal budget cutbacks at the National Weather Service may have had an impact.
    Eric Henderson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • So far, just one uncrewed Artemis mission, launched in 2022, has been completed since the program's conception nine years ago – though a mission known as Artemis 2 could be weeks away.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Like Kast, Schoenstatt emphasizes the protection of life from conception to natural death.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His practical advice fares better than both his theories and his pallid attempts at profundity.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Behavior change theory includes a tenant of measurement known as social norms.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generalization. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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