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
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Recent Examples of general
Katharina Buchholz, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
In general, pickleball is viewed as an easier sport to pick up.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Surgeon general’s advisories serve as some of the government’s strongest public health statements, designed to draw attention to issues that require immediate awareness and action.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
In general, women tend to live longer and healthier lives than men for a variety of reasons, including greater health consciousness and a tendency to avoid risky behaviors, but also genetic and hormonal factors.
—Katharina Buchholz, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
In general, pickleball is viewed as an easier sport to pick up.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Noun
Lebidine’s last assignment was as the commanding general of the 4th Marine Division from November 2015 to April 2017.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Surgeon general’s advisories serve as some of the government’s strongest public health statements, designed to draw attention to issues that require immediate awareness and action.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
Beyond that, there’s the overall question of doing too much too soon.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The overall effect was magical; the pristine white of the orbs and the robed created a sheer background that further emphasized the already bright spectacle of the dancing, leaping players and the beasts alongside them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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The design required the production team to bring a broad range of understandings, everything from electromagnetism, solenoid latches, lever arm weight multiplication, spring hinges, DMX triggers, foam fabrication, and sculpture.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
19 May 2026
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Given how oversold the stock is, combined with the sheer force of the broader market rally, that modest move is highly achievable.—
Nishant Pant,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
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Subscribe now to support our journalism and get unlimited access to our coverage.—
Wendy Goodman,
Curbed,
16 May 2026
Noun
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One of the most notable, current Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey, has been an executive in Cleveland for almost a decade and is considered a strong candidate to take over for Morey, according to league sources.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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Each takes a different approach to healing, from shamanic grief work to clinical addiction treatment for executives.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Rather than prescribing a generic gym split, Jimenez’s programming prioritized cardiovascular efficiency, resistance training, stability, and mobility.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
14 May 2026
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India and Canada recently approved their first generic versions of Ozempic, and countries including China, Brazil and South Africa are expected to soon follow, according to Robin Feldman, a pharmaceutical and intellectual property law expert at the University of California Law San Francisco.—
Berkeley Lovelace Jr,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Glossip has received public support both nationally and internationally, including from celebrities like Kim Kardashian.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Their last public appearance as a couple was in November at Italy’s Torino Film Festival, according to E!—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Along with Harris, Javonte Green and Kevin Huerter will also be unrestricted free agents.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
The club made the somewhat unusual decision to place an unrestricted-free-agent tender on Rodgers, a paperwork move that gave the Steelers a bit of protection should Rodgers have opted to sign with another team before training camp opened in late July.—
Will Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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