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
Danielle Zickl, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
The latest budget forecast by the state comptroller’s office predicts surpluses of $136 million in the general fund and $50 million in the special transportation fund in the current fiscal year that ends on June 30.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
So, why wouldn’t an owner consider a general with a special teams background?
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
Indeed, exercise in general improves fatigue, energy, and vitality, according to research, so getting in some movement first thing in the morning can do all that.
—Danielle Zickl, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
The latest budget forecast by the state comptroller’s office predicts surpluses of $136 million in the general fund and $50 million in the special transportation fund in the current fiscal year that ends on June 30.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
Bloodier outcomes await the characters in Shakespeare Dallas’ Macbeth when three witches tell a general he is destined to be king.
—Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
So, why wouldn’t an owner consider a general with a special teams background?
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
That improves the Aztecs to 12-4 overall and 6-0 in conference, which is either alone on top or tied with Utah State depending on Wednesday night’s late game between the Aggies and Nevada.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Items like coffee and lettuce put upward pressure on overall inflation.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The government aims to raise that share to around 20% by fiscal 2040 as part of its broader energy security and decarbonization strategy, Reuters reported.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Jan. 2026
-
These loans have served as a lifeline for Americans experiencing disasters, and versions of this program have been expanded during broader moments of crisis, including in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Fred P. Hochberg,
Boston Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Council members asked questions about rerouting bus traffic through the site, whether the construction jobs would pay prevailing wages, the amount of public open space available within the project, and the percentage of apartments reserved for low-income tenants.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The monthly stochastic oscillator remains in overbought territory ( > 80%), underscoring the strength of the prevailing bullish trend rather than signaling exhaustion.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
15 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The letter cited Boise City Code, which prohibits selling or advertising unlimited alcoholic drinks for a single price.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Applicants can submit up to five pieces per entry, with unlimited submissions allowed, at a $20 fee per entry.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The administration’s plans to capitalize on Venezuela’s oil were met with skepticism by US energy executives at the White House on Friday.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
15 Jan. 2026
-
She executive produced the docuseries The Alzheimer's Project in 2009, which won two Emmy Awards.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In November, a Marist-PBS-NPR poll found that Democrats had a 14-point lead on the generic ballot, the largest advantage for control of Congress in eight years.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Those comments come as Bristol Myers Squibb prepares to offset losses from an upcoming loss of exclusivity cycle of blockbuster drugs over the next several years, which will allow generic competitors to come to the market.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Trust for Public Land releases a yearly ranking of major cities in the US based on their residents’ access to public recreation areas – the city of Los Angeles ranks an embarrassing 90th, highlighting that access is undoubtedly a concern.—
Rafael Perez,
Daily News,
16 Jan. 2026
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In each case, agents shot at drivers or into moving cars – a practice that has largely been discouraged by law enforcement because of risks to public safety.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Dallas also wants to keep running back Javonte Williams, who will be an unrestricted free agent.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Rozier, who the Charlotte Hornets traded to the Heat in January 2024, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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