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
Microsoft, which makes both a general-purpose processor — called Cobalt — and Maia, the AI accelerator, got a later start than its biggest cloud-computing rivals in the business of designing its own chips.
—
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
This demonstration, focused on a repetitive task, does not show off such general-purpose capability involving a more diverse array of tasks or environments—something that Figure has only hinted at in short video demonstrations so far.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Rather than functioning as a general-purpose accounting tool, Design Manager is designed for interior design firms, combining project management, accounting, procurement and billing in a single platform.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Today, however, general-purpose chatbots and a host of specialized health models can translate the jargon into plain language within seconds, potentially allaying unfounded fears.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
This demonstration, focused on a repetitive task, does not show off such general-purpose capability involving a more diverse array of tasks or environments—something that Figure has only hinted at in short video demonstrations so far.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Rather than functioning as a general-purpose accounting tool, Design Manager is designed for interior design firms, combining project management, accounting, procurement and billing in a single platform.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Today, however, general-purpose chatbots and a host of specialized health models can translate the jargon into plain language within seconds, potentially allaying unfounded fears.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 15 May 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.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
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The experience includes a boat ride, three nights in a Swedish cabin, traditional meals at Elviras Skärgårdskrog, live folk music and dancing, plus unlimited sauna access and nature trails.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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That's our mission now is to help other DIYers learn how to do more on their project, from general contracting all the way through some of the actual construction elements.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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There are chances to take a deep dive into various history or literature classes beyond general education requirements, or for students to discover their passions or potential career pathways, Ellman said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
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The president is evidently unaware that 34 other countries bestow unrestricted citizenship on any person born on their soil.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general-purpose. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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