as in to categorize
disapproving
to unfairly think of or describe (someone or something) as belonging to only a certain category
She likes to perform different types of music because she doesn't want to be pigeonholed.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pigeonhole
Will Leitch, Vulture, 8 Feb. 2025
And even those films starring endlessly reincarnating supernatural psycho slashers chasing nubile coeds aren’t so simple to pigeonhole politically.
—David Colman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
But Gaga has also been savvy enough not to be pigeonholed as just the avant-garde lady, though, opting for high elegance depending on the event.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pigeonhole
Verb
And to his credit, Leitch escapes that pigeonhole … only to get trapped in another.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 8 Feb. 2025
And even those films starring endlessly reincarnating supernatural psycho slashers chasing nubile coeds aren’t so simple to pigeonhole politically.
—David Colman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
When someone is known primarily for reliability, colleagues unconsciously pigeonhole them.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
But Gaga has also been savvy enough not to be pigeonholed as just the avant-garde lady, though, opting for high elegance depending on the event.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pigeonhole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pigeonhole
Verb
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But even a single app can be tough to categorize.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
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But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The captain instead had to remain up on the topside in the cubbyhole of his pilot house.—
Eric DuVall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Sep. 2025
-
There’s also a theater room with low-level, dimmable lighting; beanbags; and a cubbyhole with a cushioned area.—
Jen Malia,
Curbed,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The cause was classified as norovirus, a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and is commonly known as the stomach flu.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
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Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classify the race as a likely victory for Spanberger.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Startups have long been known for redefining the workplace—swapping out cubicles and corner offices in favor of bean bags and coffee bars.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
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One section houses desks and cubicles where agents handle casework and conduct check-in appointments for immigrants navigating legal proceedings.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Four innings before the Jays finished Saturday’s 10-1 blowout win over the New York Yankees, snatching a series-opening victory in the American League Division Series, Gausman was relegated to spectator.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Moreover, while athletes that make the transition to media, whether during or after their sports careers, were once relegated to sports analytics and commentary, the canvas has become much broader.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Observed on floors, in and around baseboards, grease trap, tables, walls, bathroom floors and walls, three-compartment sink, utility closet, hand sink, hallway, and in dining area.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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Several areas in the restaurant have old food debris, dust and dirt, including areas under the glass refrigerator, the table, the three-compartment sink, washer machine and handwashing sinks.—
Sarah Linn,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Salmon said his counselor suggested his attraction to men was his father’s fault because his job kept him away from home a lot, causing Salmon to identify more with his mother.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
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But that changed, and the case took a turn after two denizens of Nashville's street scene were identified as suspects.—
Keith Sharon,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The unexpected September hit that broke anime movie records has Hollywood weighing future releases of what some consider a niche genre.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
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Thanks in large part to the internet and social media, this demographic has become loud, unignorable, and—for many booksellers and publishers in other literary niches—enviable.—
Rebecca Ackermann,
The Atlantic,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pigeonhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pigeonhole. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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