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
Synonyms & Similar 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
Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Share general excitement about upcoming adventures without specifics.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Gamboa heard stories of Douglas MacArthur’s visit, but only got proof recently; near the front steps, a framed photograph shows the general descending them in 1945.
—Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
However, why would a general manager ever admit giving up on the season or shopping its most reliable pitcher?
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Share general excitement about upcoming adventures without specifics.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
Ambush a Russian general in Ukraine to rescue undercover agent Coyote and, for field agent Danny (Saura Lightfoot-Leon), gather intel on Iranian nuclear weapons by posing as a scientist.
—Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Gamboa heard stories of Douglas MacArthur’s visit, but only got proof recently; near the front steps, a framed photograph shows the general descending them in 1945.
—Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
The poll also found that nearly half of voters disapprove of Trump's overall handling of the U.S. economy.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
-
Sure, the Dodgers entered Friday winners of 13 of their last 17, tied for the best overall record in baseball and leading the National League West by six games.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Reynolds, of Tampa, said emergency response laws are meant to be broad to give leaders the flexibility to make fast decisions and keep people safe.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
-
But states, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the broader understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendment's adoption.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Those who subscribe will get unlimited access to the BBC’s news articles, feature stories and the 24/7 livestream of the BBC News channel.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
26 June 2025
-
Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
On Friday, Harper played catch with front office executive Howie Kendrick, fielded some ground balls and took about 15 swings off a tee in the batting cage, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
-
The film directed by Kim A Snyder and executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker examines attempts by librarians in Florida and Texas and elsewhere to combat book banning efforts, while simultaneously facing unhinged attacks from right wing zealots accusing them of grooming children.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
Gilead has negotiated royalty-free licensing deals with six generic manufacturers to manufacture lenacapavir for prevention for 120 low- and middle-income countries.—
Alice Park,
Time,
18 June 2025
-
Not generic observations everyone agrees with, but the perspectives that might make some people uncomfortable while making others feel deeply understood.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
The status quo, where vast tracts remain available only for low-fee grazing, utilities, or recreation, locks in modest public returns.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The couple went public with their relationship in 2019 and became engaged in 2023.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
There is currently no room to retain Ryan Lindgren (or replace him with a similar quality defenseman) or Jonathan Drouin, who are pending unrestricted free agents.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
The author was given unrestricted access to Buckley’s papers and records and received the cooperation of his family and friends.—
Terry W. Hartle,
Christian Science Monitor,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Solak pointed to the departure of Jason Wilcox, their director of football, as a factor.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
-
The event, hosted by the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art, will feature a lineup of San Diego musicians curated by the festival’s artistic director, Grammy-winning record producer and performer Kamau Kenyatta.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share