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
While this old scout doesn’t like to generalize about pitching mechanics, MLB scouts and analysts usually agree that Japanese pitchers bring uncanny personal discipline and refined pitching techniques when arriving stateside.
—
Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Unlike conventional computer programs, generative AI is designed not to produce precise answers to certain questions, but to generalize.
—Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
Skeptics are very, well, skeptical of AI’s ability to generalize.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 21 Feb. 2025
This breakthrough allows machines to handle unfamiliar items by generalizing from previous experiences, closing the gap between specialized and general-purpose robots.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
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Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Unlike conventional computer programs, generative AI is designed not to produce precise answers to certain questions, but to generalize.
—Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
Skeptics are very, well, skeptical of AI’s ability to generalize.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 21 Feb. 2025
This breakthrough allows machines to handle unfamiliar items by generalizing from previous experiences, closing the gap between specialized and general-purpose robots.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 3 Mar. 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 26 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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