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
The shortage would not be of general-purpose semiconductors, or microcontrollers, that caused plant shutdowns, low vehicle inventories, disabled features and higher prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
—
Breana Noble, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Most students today use general-purpose chatbots that are not designed as tutors.
—Saharnaz Babaei-Balderlou, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Most students today use general-purpose chatbots that are not designed as tutors.
—Shishir Shakya, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
Imagine general-purpose humanoids becoming as ubiquitous as smartphones, doing household chores, taking care of our parents, and taking over tasks that humans don’t want.
—Eric Schmidt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Breana Noble, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Most students today use general-purpose chatbots that are not designed as tutors.
—Saharnaz Babaei-Balderlou, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Most students today use general-purpose chatbots that are not designed as tutors.
—Shishir Shakya, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
Imagine general-purpose humanoids becoming as ubiquitous as smartphones, doing household chores, taking care of our parents, and taking over tasks that humans don’t want.
—Eric Schmidt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general-purpose
Adjective
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Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
22 Mar. 2026
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Roster turnover has been a common theme for the Knights since the introduction of unlimited transfers, name, image and likeness deals and revenue sharing.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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He was held at the Martin County Jail, though not with the general population.—
Melissa Gaffney,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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The all-volunteer Planning Commission considers matters related to land-use planning and development, implements the city’s general plan, reviews development applications and serves as an intermediary between the public and the City Council.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Reaves is a pending unrestricted free agent and is now 38 games shy of 1,000 for his NHL career.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
22 Mar. 2026
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Fishermen and anglers are permitted to resume activities in unrestricted areas, as there is no evidence that the fish or shellfish population in those areas were affected by the spill.—
Mathew Schumer,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general-purpose. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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