generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce generalize (audio) ˈje-nə- How to pronounce generalize (audio)
generalized; generalizing

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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
generalizability
ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce generalize (audio)
ˌje-nə-
noun
generalizable
ˌjen-rə-ˈlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce generalize (audio)
ˌje-nə-
adjective
generalizer noun

Examples of generalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The seeming universality of the loopholes reported by parents demonstrates that the behavior can be generalized to a range of real-world situations. — Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025 The country is also massive—three times the size of Texas—and can’t or shouldn’t be generalized. — Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for generalize

Word History

Etymology

general entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalize was in 1710

Rhymes for generalize

See All Rhymes for generalize

Browse Nearby Words

generalization
generalize
generalized
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Cite this Entry

“Generalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalize. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

generalize

verb
gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce generalize (audio)
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
ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce generalize (audio)
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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Nglish: Translation of generalize for Spanish Speakers

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