generalization

noun

ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio)
Definition of generalizationnext
as in stereotype
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the generalization that children who like violent entertainment grow up to be violent criminals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of generalization Everything from the environments to the tasks to the specific objects being manipulated can be carefully selected to show just what’s possible if all this could be sufficiently generalized—but that generalization is not yet proven. — ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026 That includes everything from feeding the lie that Obama was not born in the United States to crude generalizations about majority-Black countries and posts that have sparked anger on his Truth Social website. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Brousson is an Austin resident and often posts satirical videos teasing Texas cliches and generalizations. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 Teenagers are tested on more advanced skills, such as making generalizations from a reading passage and comparing information from charts and graphs. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for generalization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generalization
  1. stereotype
  2. concept
  3. notion
  4. conception
  5. theory
Noun
  • Non-Asian parents in TV shows talked about this stuff all the time, yet my parents were living stereotypes.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Envy and schadenfreude are two emotions that are readily associated with old anti-Jewish stereotypes, and could develop dynamics of their own.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • The first concept art for the film was revealed during the Disney Entertainment Showcase presentation at the D23 fan event Friday, along with some new plot details.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Owners Jordan Smelt and Katie Barringer have carried over the same love for wine and books into their second concept.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of concept
Noun
  • The notion was a surprise to almost everyone on a Monday videoconference of the CFP management committee (made up of 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director), said sources who were on the call.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Esparza plays the unhinged tyrant with a quickness, his bright eyes darting and weaving with each newfangled notion.
    — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Natalie’s is tuned to a distant, hierarchical afterlife where God’s love is less of an all-encompassing conception and more of an elusive, enviable prize.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Hamilton’s handprints were all over the project from conception to launch.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026
Definition of conception
Noun
  • Quanta spoke with Cao about evidence for the programmed theory of aging, what happens at each stage, and why aging mammals are like trees shedding leaves.
    — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The sheriff's office also sought to rebut theories that had circulated publicly about the case, including claims that evidence was missing or the crime scene had been manipulated.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory

Browse Nearby Words

generality
generalization
generalizations
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Cite this Entry

“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generalization. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on generalization

Nglish: Translation of generalization for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about generalization

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