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
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Purchased by Mars two years ago, Hotel Chocolat may soon be expanding beyond Chicago, bringing elevated drinking chocolate and candy to markets across the country, according to Kelly Goering, 45, a veteran Mars executive who became the inaugural general manager of Hotel Chocolat US.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
It was designed to turn the quarterback into some-thing of a general.
—CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
Many of the couple’s issues will be familiar to pregnant couples in general, regardless of the genders involved.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Purchased by Mars two years ago, Hotel Chocolat may soon be expanding beyond Chicago, bringing elevated drinking chocolate and candy to markets across the country, according to Kelly Goering, 45, a veteran Mars executive who became the inaugural general manager of Hotel Chocolat US.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
Opening arguments begin on Monday in a high-profile trial brought by the state of New Mexico against Meta, which allegedly failed to safeguard apps like Facebook and Instagram from online predators who targeted child users, according to Raúl Torrez, the state's attorney general.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
It was designed to turn the quarterback into some-thing of a general.
—CBS News, 8 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
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Texas is the bastion of common sense, law and order, and the land of unlimited opportunity.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 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
-
McMillian is going to command top-scale money, if not in the form of an extension this offseason, then a year from now as an impending unrestricted free agent.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 Feb. 2026
-
But with K’Lavon Chaisson an unrestricted free agent, the answer for where the Pats need the most help is edge rusher.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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