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
Brands are increasingly molded by large models trained to generalize, not channel and use the creative values and perspectives that the company is based on.
—
Amy Packard Berry, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Furthermore, the treatments were generalized, and every patient had a different outcome despite undergoing the same treatment.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
And the lack of randomization in the study reduces the ability to generalize the findings widely.
—New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2025
One user offered a reminder not to generalize.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
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Amy Packard Berry, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Furthermore, the treatments were generalized, and every patient had a different outcome despite undergoing the same treatment.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
And the lack of randomization in the study reduces the ability to generalize the findings widely.
—New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2025
One user offered a reminder not to generalize.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 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 19 Sep. 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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