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
Bradley Schnell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
That’s backed by minor-league data, in addition to a general sense that the emotional bias of pitchers clouds their objectivity.
—Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The general's name appears in the 2016 WikiLeaks email release from John Podesta, then Hillary Clinton's campaign manager.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
For more than a century, the city treated trash collection as a basic responsibility funded through general revenues.
—Bradley Schnell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
That’s backed by minor-league data, in addition to a general sense that the emotional bias of pitchers clouds their objectivity.
—Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
James McConville, a retired Army general who led the army from 2019-23, did a fellowship at Harvard, according to his military biography.
—Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The general's name appears in the 2016 WikiLeaks email release from John Podesta, then Hillary Clinton's campaign manager.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
The Big Sky title won, Idaho is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 — riding a program-record 18-game winning streak in addition to a program-best 29 overall wins this season.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Lakewood police were heavily criticized for their handling of the investigation into Gratton’s death, including for using her deadname and for an overall lack of transparency about the investigation.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Half Acre has excess capacity in part due to a broader downturn in the craft brewing market.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
However, some experts are skeptical of impact of New Delhi's regulatory changes on investments as border tensions between India and China remain unresolved and the broader geostrategic competition between the two persists.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 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
-
Get unlimited digital access to Vogue including the Spring issue for $3 $1/month for one year.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Sample bites from Cincinnati's restaurant scene Enjoy unlimited small plates and food samples, two drink tickets, a live DJ and oversized games.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lucy Maguire is Features Director at Vogue Business, writing and commissioning features across all verticals, with a focus on fashion industry moves, international fashion weeks, trends and consumer behaviour, alongside interviews with key designers, founders and executives.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
-
To stay, he and other club executives might be asked to move to Las Vegas.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The bill does not restore coverage for Biktarvy, the most popular once-a-day pill, and other medications will be switched to their generic versions.—
Ana Goñi-Lessan,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
That was a fairly generic paragraph to open an article about reading.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At stake is the group’s editorial independence — and whether its journalists will continue to report freely without fear of state pressure — as well as public trust in one of East Africa’s most influential media institutions.—
Vivianne Wandera,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Thursday’s release marks the first public disclosure and documented confirmation of a Federal Bureau of Investigation probe that has roiled Kansas City politics over the last month.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The negotiating period for representatives of unrestricted free agents to speak with other teams begins Monday.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Dallas used the franchise tag to keep receiver George Pickens from becoming an unrestricted free agent, but that’s merely a Band-Aid.—
Omar Kelly
March 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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