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
Repeat questions to show attention and generalize your response.
—
Martin Zwilling, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
What began as a system targeting noncitizens and fraud suspects could easily be generalized to everyone in the country.
—Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
In 2018, Forstater posted numerous anti-trans tweets, both generalizing about trans people and directly targeting one nonbinary person.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025
However, these are drastic measures that, if generalized, will bring a completely new scenario to the tour.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
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Martin Zwilling, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
What began as a system targeting noncitizens and fraud suspects could easily be generalized to everyone in the country.
—Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
In 2018, Forstater posted numerous anti-trans tweets, both generalizing about trans people and directly targeting one nonbinary person.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025
However, these are drastic measures that, if generalized, will bring a completely new scenario to the tour.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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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