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
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
In general, electrification cuts energy costs, removes the volatility of fuel prices, and builds more resilient operations.
—Justin Worland, Time, 29 May 2026
Sal Rodriguez, Daily News, 28 May 2026
But first, a little more about the collection in general.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
In general, Brock’s roster is incredibly young with 13 underclassmen and eight freshman.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
In general, electrification cuts energy costs, removes the volatility of fuel prices, and builds more resilient operations.
—Justin Worland, Time, 29 May 2026
Noun
Of her top two challengers, my suspicion is that Raman has the best shot of beating Bass in the general.
—Sal Rodriguez, Daily News, 28 May 2026
But first, a little more about the collection in general.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
When an infected male mates with a wild female mosquito, the resulting eggs don't hatch, helping reduce the overall population.—
Kimberly Miller,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
Franklin is looking for its second overall title; the team last won in 2024.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
His broad network of advisers includes many prominent figures, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, investor Stanley Druckenmiller, and Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, all of whom appeared at his swearing-in last month at the White House.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia launched a large-scale deadly attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early Tuesday, damaging residential buildings, authorities said, as part of a broad offensive on targets across Ukraine.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
The experience includes a boat ride, three nights in a Swedish cabin, traditional meals at Elviras Skärgårdskrog, live folk music and dancing, plus unlimited sauna access and nature trails.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Knicks executive Leon Rose did just that, pairing former Villanova stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart with the Knicks (and, briefly, Donte DiVincenzo, a fourth college teammate).—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
Hundreds of fans filled the college town’s sidewalks, and streets were closed for the black SUVs that dropped off A-listers and executives on the bright blue carpet.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
While the sets, lighting, costume changes and visual effects are stunners, the music by composer and arranger Imogen Heap is shockingly generic, like the copyright-free soundtrack of a YouTube ad, blandly calibrated and recalling nothing of John Williams’ iconic themes for the films.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
-
The initial producer’s pitch was for a low-rent superhero, but finding something that’s never been done for even a generic superhero is a challenge.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
After three hours of public comments and discussion June 4, the planning commission voted in favor of seeking more information from the Department of the Interior, which submitted the application.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
Insider tip Suite 203 overlooks Shadow Mountain and offers a view of one of Aspen’s quirkiest pieces of public art—a 10-foot-tall Yeti.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
The president is evidently unaware that 34 other countries bestow unrestricted citizenship on any person born on their soil.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
