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 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 Not All Smoothies Are Healthy Smoothies are often marketed as a healthy option, leading to a broad generalization that all smoothies are healthy, which isn’t the case. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 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
  • Many of my previous columns have stressed the importance of pushing back on the (often negative) stereotypes of aging.
    — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Haven, in particular, drew many laughs from the audience by playing Lee’s dull boyfriend Peter as a cartoonish surfer boy stereotype.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • Out of hundreds of entries around the world, the park’s design won first-place in the World Landscape Architecture Awards public design concept category.
    — Noah Daly July 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
  • And the collective’s street art, films and installations have used the concept of non-native species to explore how modern human society interacts with nature and animals.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Definition of concept
Noun
  • This followed a common scholarly notion that Maya hieroglyphics were not tied to spoken language.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 July 2026
  • Hawk repeatedly challenged the notion that success represents a destination.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Hamilton’s handprints were all over the project from conception to launch.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026
  • The activities helped shaped the building from conception rather than being added into the architecture as an afterthought.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of conception
Noun
  • What began as a weeklong music camp eventually turned into year-round educational programming, where students learn songwriting, music theory, recording and live performance before showcasing their work on the festival stage.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of theory

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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 5 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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