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
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Recent Examples of generalization
This is a generalization, of course, and many only children are very social with other kids.
—
Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Those decisions remain governed by statute and must be based on individualized assessments, not generalizations.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
They're exhausted by the constant airing of grievances having little to do with what's actually going on in the country, and by the broad generalizations about, well, everything, that ignore context, nuance and facts to promote a political viewpoint.
—Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
At Tuesday’s meeting, the issue hit close to home as South Asian residents challenged generalizations made about their community.
—Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for generalization
Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Those decisions remain governed by statute and must be based on individualized assessments, not generalizations.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
They're exhausted by the constant airing of grievances having little to do with what's actually going on in the country, and by the broad generalizations about, well, everything, that ignore context, nuance and facts to promote a political viewpoint.
—Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
At Tuesday’s meeting, the issue hit close to home as South Asian residents challenged generalizations made about their community.
—Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for generalization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generalization
Noun
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Leaning into the stereotype that only pain can create great comedy is a bold choice when trying to make the argument about what’s wrong with an AI program leaning into stereotypes.—
Jennifer Silverman,
Rolling Stone,
29 Mar. 2026
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In this case, some of the false storylines included racist stereotypes.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Either way, the automaker pays homage to the American Southwest with this concept featuring a retro white-and-tan two-tone paint scheme and an awesome interior that looks like a saddle blanket.—
Caleb Jacobs,
The Drive,
26 Mar. 2026
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The concept exploded on social media, drawing attention from well beyond the baseball world.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Over the past few years, Gulf Arab states had moved to significantly improve relations with Iran, but experts say the ferocity of Tehran’s attacks against them has given new life to the notion that the Islamic Republic remains their most formidable threat.—
Becky Anderson,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
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But at a press conference that day, Coventry — the IOC president — rejected the notion of political influence.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Exposure to phthalates affects sperm quality, chances of conception, ovulation function, and the risk of miscarriage.—
Shanna Swan,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
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The camp is isolated and poorly resourced, and its traditions—including its conception of gender roles—can be painfully rigid.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His practical advice fares better than both his theories and his pallid attempts at profundity.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Behavior change theory includes a tenant of measurement known as social norms.—
Matt Parrott,
Arkansas Online,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generalization. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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