as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
an unfair, broad-brush accusation of corruption in the statehouse
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Recent Examples of broad-brush
There’s so much that has been occluded by the broad-brush depiction of the eighties as the awful age of Reagan, yuppies, shoulder pads, mullets, and synth-drums.
—
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
She’s equipped with a hefty financial aid package and a broad-brush vision of what her post-high school life will look like.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Warwick cautions that this is to avoid broad-brush judgments regarding who, what, when, where, why, and how.
—Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Moving away from a broad-brush approach to tailor marketing strategies to specific parks.
—Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026
Depending on the evaluation criteria, a traditional broad-brush answer would say picking three starters is considered a success story.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025
Characters archly comment on proceedings directly to camera at some points and retreat into the staid distance of historical drama at others, as passages of seemingly earnest melodrama crash abruptly into broad-brush contemporary satire.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Both China and the EU have been targets of President Donald Trump’s broad-brush global tariff regime, and have pivoted to each other for more predictable trade parternships.
—Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
This broad-brush approach creates regulatory uncertainty, discourages institutional adoption, and pushes businesses to more welcoming jurisdictions.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
She’s equipped with a hefty financial aid package and a broad-brush vision of what her post-high school life will look like.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Warwick cautions that this is to avoid broad-brush judgments regarding who, what, when, where, why, and how.
—Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Moving away from a broad-brush approach to tailor marketing strategies to specific parks.
—Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026
Depending on the evaluation criteria, a traditional broad-brush answer would say picking three starters is considered a success story.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025
Characters archly comment on proceedings directly to camera at some points and retreat into the staid distance of historical drama at others, as passages of seemingly earnest melodrama crash abruptly into broad-brush contemporary satire.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Both China and the EU have been targets of President Donald Trump’s broad-brush global tariff regime, and have pivoted to each other for more predictable trade parternships.
—Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
This broad-brush approach creates regulatory uncertainty, discourages institutional adoption, and pushes businesses to more welcoming jurisdictions.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad-brush
Adjective
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That's our mission now is to help other DIYers learn how to do more on their project, from general contracting all the way through some of the actual construction elements.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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There are chances to take a deep dive into various history or literature classes beyond general education requirements, or for students to discover their passions or potential career pathways, Ellman said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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Franklin is looking for its second overall title; the team last won in 2024.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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In 1863, representatives of football clubs from the larger London area met to discuss the formation of a football association and a common set of rules.—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
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Fires are common at Kenyan schools, with many set by students protesting harsh discipline and poor conditions, researchers have found.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Broad-brush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad-brush. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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