general 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjen-rəl How to pronounce general (audio)
Definition of generalnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

general

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed parts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri under a general thunderstorm outlook for Wednesday, so widespread severe weather is not expected. — Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 New York’s buildings department charged the building’s general contractor with more than $32,000 in fines, primarily for construction safety violations, since July 2025, according to The City Reporter. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Noun
Built in 1859, the mansion began as a family home for a Civil War general, which evolved to include the Tiroronda School building. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 The cottontail storm remained a secret, perhaps for obvious reasons, until many decades later, when the general’s memoir was published. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
  1. overall
  2. broad
  3. prevailing
  4. unlimited
  5. executive
  6. generic
  7. public
  8. unrestricted
Adjective
  • Importantly, these are healthy changes as the heart doesn’t have to work as hard and the entire cardiovascular system becomes much more efficient along with the overall improved conditioning of the athlete.
    — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • The overall structure has a solid foundation, with the use of 165-MPa ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), a strong material that can handle the construction's cantilevered roof areas and curved structures.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Definition of overall
Adjective
  • Organizing the festival during wartime has given it a broader purpose, Isaienko said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Products with a broad range, such as beer, would benefit from multiple subcategories, ensuring that the production process is not prioritized over the alcoholic content.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of broad
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
Definition of prevailing
Adjective
  • On Wednesday, though, the commission allowed every speaker unlimited time to voice their opinion.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
    — Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Definition of unlimited
Noun
  • Distinguished executives, including the likes of Dave Dombrowski and Andrew Friedman, have wanted no part of the Angels.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The state of Illinois does not have parameters on how cannabis money has to be allocated, but traditionally the county has used the fund on public health and safety initiatives, said Mike Theodore, a spokesman for the county executive office.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of executive
Adjective
  • Mentioning a favorite weekend routine can tell others more than a collection of generic interests.
    — Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • My recent research showed that choosing the right-size models for specific tasks—instead of the biggest, most generic models out there—can reduce the quantity of energy needed by a factor of 33.
    — Sasha Luccioni, Time, 3 July 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • At one point, Weist describes uncovering that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani maintained a fine-art photography practice while simultaneously waging a highly public censorship battle against the Brooklyn Museum.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Our real estate data comes from public records that have been registered and digitized by local county offices.
    — Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Definition of public
Adjective
  • The existence of valid uses does not outweigh the daily and sometimes constant distraction that unrestricted smartphone access creates.
    — Paul Jester, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • While DeRozan leaves Sacramento after two seasons to become an unrestricted free agent, LaVine and Sabonis appear to be returning for the 2026-27 season.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of unrestricted

Phrases Containing general

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generable
general
general assemblies
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Cite this Entry

“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on general

Nglish: Translation of general for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about general

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