general

1 belonging or relating to the whole a general increase in postage rates there's been a general improvement in the economy Synonyms across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, generic, global, overall, universal Related Words all-embracing, broad, broad-gauge (or broad-gauged), broadscale, comprehensive, extensive, inclusionary, overarching, pervasive, sweeping, ubiquitous, wholesale, wide, widespread; aggregate, collective, complete, full, plenary; planetary, worldwide Near Antonyms component, constituent; cross-sectional, divisional, fragmentary, partial; local, localized, regional, sectional Antonyms individual, particular

2 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 all-around (also all-round), bird's-eye, broad, nonspecific, overall Related Words comprehensive, inclusive; absolute, boundless, expansive, extensive, infinite, panoramic, sweeping, vast, wide; indeterminate, nebulous, nondescript, vague; nonspecific, unlimited, unrestricted, unspecified Near Antonyms limited, restricted, specified; distinct, explicit, precise, sharp; comprehensive, elaborate, full, mapped (out), thorough; enumerated, inventoried, itemized, listed; individual, singular; particular, peculiar Antonyms close-up, delineated, detailed, molecular, particularized, specific

3 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 common, majority, overall, popular, prevailing, public, received, ruling, vulgar Related Words unanimous, universal; pop; everyday, familiar, household, usual, well-known; contemporary, current, present; dominant, predominant, preponderant; characteristic, typical; pandemic, pervasive, prevalent, rife, widespread; communal, shared Near Antonyms rare, strange, unknown, unusual; distinctive, especial, idiosyncratic, peculiar, special, unique; individual, separate, singular; nonpublic, personal, private Antonyms uncommon, unpopular

4 not limited or specialized in application or purpose a new kitchen tool of general usefulness a general education Synonyms all-around (also all-round), all-purpose, catholic, general-purpose, unlimited, unqualified, unrestricted, unspecialized Related Words mixed-use, multipurpose; broad, wide; nonspecific, unspecified, vague Near Antonyms bounded, circumscribed, confined, definite, demarcated, determinate, finite, qualified; dedicated, selective Antonyms limited, restricted, specialized, technical