generalize
verb
gen·er·al·ize
ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz 
ˈje-nə-
ˈje-nə-
generalized; generalizing
1
: to give a general form to
2
a
: to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars
b
: to draw a general conclusion from
3
: to give general applicability to
generalize a law
also
: to make indefinite
1
: to form generalizations
also
: to make vague or indefinite statements
She's always generalizing about men.
2
: to spread or extend throughout the body
generalizer
noun
Examples of generalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Today, movies and TV intended for the biggest audience possible often water down their storytelling and generalize in order to avoid anything that might challenge, frighten or unsettle the audience.
—
Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Consequently, they are limited in breadth of expertise and can’t generalize beyond their training.
—Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
In a sense, the AI is statistically going to generalize on wedding speeches and tend toward a kind of ho-hum common ground.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
The actual cause of that increase isn't known and the researchers cautioned their findings can't be generalized to a wider population because other factors, such as socio-economic status, might be playing a role.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
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Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Consequently, they are limited in breadth of expertise and can’t generalize beyond their training.
—Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
In a sense, the AI is statistically going to generalize on wedding speeches and tend toward a kind of ho-hum common ground.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
The actual cause of that increase isn't known and the researchers cautioned their findings can't be generalized to a wider population because other factors, such as socio-economic status, might be playing a role.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
Cite this Entry
“Generalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalize. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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generalize
verb
gen·er·al·ize
ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz
generalized; generalizing
: to put in the form of a general rule : draw or state a general conclusion from a number of items or instances
Medical Definition
generalize
intransitive verb
gen·er·al·ize
variants
or British generalise
generalized or British generalised; generalizing or British generalising
: to spread or extend through all of a body part or region or through most of the entire body
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