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
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
He was promoted to the general manager position in 2020 and left the nonprofit in June 2023.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Eisenhower first came on the national scene as a fast-rising young general in the early days of World War II.
—Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
But the movie opens with the discovery that his young son, Sam, has type 1 diabetes; this means that the kid is going to have a life of insulin shots and general caution.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
He was promoted to the general manager position in 2020 and left the nonprofit in June 2023.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
But time has been very kind to him, and to this film in general.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Eisenhower first came on the national scene as a fast-rising young general in the early days of World War II.
—Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
The blowout loss would mark not only the biggest margin of defeat for the Trojans in two seasons under Musselman but also the first time USC (18-8 overall, 7-8 in the Big Ten) has given up more than 100 points in a game since 2019.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The win boosted San Diego State’s overall record to 21-4.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The university disputed his statement, saying the deficit is substantially lower and stems from broader institutional and external factors.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Some board members who voted no said the district had not sufficiently demonstrated that broad layoff notices were the most responsible or strategic option and argued that the analysis did not fully account for the operational and human consequences of issuing RIF notices at that scale.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
In the northern United States, enjoying the starry winter sky requires protection against the prevailing low temperatures.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Those observing Lent might avoid meat every Friday or throughout the week until Easter, but there are unlimited satisfying vegetarian and pescatarian recipes to fit the holiday menu.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Company executives knew idle transmission lines could spark wildfires.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
French President Emmanuel Macron blasted tech company executives of social media platforms over refusals to limit or restrict speech.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Each addresses a specific regional risk that generic advice misses.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Harsh Conditions Left Bare Patches Winter kill is a generic term for damage to lawns from exposure to harsh conditions.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The exchange added political heat to an already sensitive topic that blends science, national security, and public curiosity.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The post included a photo of a teen carrying a realistic-looking toy pistol, which was captured by a doorbell camera in 2024, said Ziggy Azarcon, public information officer with the Irvine Police Department.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Sharks also have four other defensemen, besides Leddy, who are pending unrestricted free agents and could be traded.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
An undiscussed wrinkle in a potential Chiefs return is that Kelce is due to become an unrestricted free agent.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
