as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose
a general-purpose glue for routine household repairs
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Recent Examples of general-purpose
Fertilize once a month or so during the growing season with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer, following instructions on the label.
—
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
The express lanes are part the 183 North Mobility Project, which also added general-purpose lanes in 2024.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Nvidia has branched out into general-purpose processors, networking and full computer systems, giving it an even greater hold on customers.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms, recommends using a general-purpose potting mix.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
The express lanes are part the 183 North Mobility Project, which also added general-purpose lanes in 2024.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Nvidia has branched out into general-purpose processors, networking and full computer systems, giving it an even greater hold on customers.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms, recommends using a general-purpose potting mix.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general-purpose
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
Adjective
-
The legislation would cut $131 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
In general, the singers class up the production.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 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-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general-purpose. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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