general 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjen-rəl How to pronounce general (audio)
Definition of generalnext
1
as in overall
belonging or relating to the whole a general increase in postage rates there's been a general improvement in the economy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details gave the general impression of being kindhearted a general course of study in American history

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people it was the general opinion that the politician was a liar the general mood of the nation was one of hope and optimism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose a new kitchen tool of general usefulness a general education

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

general

2 of 2

noun

as in executive

Related Words

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 general
Adjective
Along with general heat-safety policies, hydration is a priority, Sharkey said. — Arkansas Online, 11 Aug. 2026 The Athletic asked 21 NFL executives (including five former general managers) and 29 coaches to place 35 quarterbacks into five tiers, from best to worst. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
Criticism intensified further earlier on Monday when Mattias Grafstrom, the organisation’s secretary general, joined Kevin Lamour, the chief operating officer, in voicing his opposition to the plan. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Several Russian media outlets claimed the bombing targeted a Russian general who was celebrating his birthday at the restaurant. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
  1. overall
  2. broad
  3. prevailing
  4. unlimited
  5. executive
  6. generic
  7. public
  8. unrestricted
Adjective
  • That could be a sign of things to come as the Rays’ first-round selection (28th overall) in the 2021 draft was playing some second base at Triple-A Durham.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The new Vista Point complex will add 193 independent living units, 72 assisted living residences, an indoor pool, performing arts auditorium, art studio and more, and ultimately will boost Fairview’s overall population to nearly 600.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of overall
Adjective
  • Rather than occasional long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries, Ukraine is now carrying out frequent attacks on refineries, oil tankers, power substations and broader energy infrastructure, according to ACLED’s Polishchuk.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Parnell said the push for speedier delivery was part of a broader modernization effort that predated the five-month-old conflict.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.
    — Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of prevailing
Adjective
  • The device seamlessly integrates major streaming apps, providing direct links to content and an unlimited cloud DVR.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, because Byron is a psycho with terrifying surveillance capabilities and unlimited resources, Hazel has an easier time getting free than staying free.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of unlimited
Noun
  • Time is now of the essence as the AI race escalates, said Jesse Sloane, Deep Isolation executive vice president of engineering.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • When delivered compassionately, a no communicates and models a strong sense of judgment as an executive.
    — Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of executive
Adjective
  • Svelte white waitresses in generic Asian garb swirled around us.
    — Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
  • When manual work is spread across disconnected systems, inconsistent data and unclear ownership, adding a generic AI tool without a clear discovery process rarely produces results.
    — Mia Urman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • Commanders understood that virtually any encounter involving a guardsman could be filmed and turned into a national controversy, potentially damaging an institution that continues to enjoy broad public confidence.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The offer is the latest negotiation in what is shaping up to be a public letter-writing campaign to determine future of the Atlanta City Detention Center.
    — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of public
Adjective
  • Each will receive an unrestricted $60,000 grant, disbursed over a five-year period.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Aug. 2026
  • While students using unrestricted AI show immediate performance improvement while using AI agents, their performance plummets once the tool is removed.
    — Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrestricted

Phrases Containing general

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generable
general
general assemblies
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Cite this Entry

“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on general

Nglish: Translation of general for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about general

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