generate
verb
gen·er·ate
ˈje-nə-ˌrāt 
generated; generating; generates
1
2
: to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
These stories … generate a good deal of psychological suspense …—
Atlantic
Atlantic3
: to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations
especially
: to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve
Synonyms
Examples of generate in a Sentence
windmills used to generate electricity
This business should generate a lot of revenue.
We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting.
His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists.
Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement.
They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.
Recent Examples on the Web
The millions of gallons of waste that the pigs generated each year stank horribly and polluted the air and water, turning an otherwise pleasant town into a pigsty.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025
Every broadcaster has to show them, and that is a reason why the Champions League is a premium sponsorship asset generating north of $600million each season.
—Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Read the full Capricorn Daily Horoscope This horoscope was generated automatically using information from Sanctuary.
—USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Assuming good health for interior blockers Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson, the Eagles should be able to generate a push up front, allowing Barkley to wreak havoc in the second level.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for generate 
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Kenny Torrella, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025
Every broadcaster has to show them, and that is a reason why the Champions League is a premium sponsorship asset generating north of $600million each season.
—Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Read the full Capricorn Daily Horoscope This horoscope was generated automatically using information from Sanctuary.
—USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Assuming good health for interior blockers Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson, the Eagles should be able to generate a push up front, allowing Barkley to wreak havoc in the second level.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for generate
Dictionary Entries Near generate
Cite this Entry
“Generate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generate. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generate
verb
gen·er·ate
ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt
generated; generating
1
: to bring into existence
generate electricity
2
: to be the cause of or reason for
news that generated excitement
generative
adjective
-ə-ˌrāt-iv
-(ə-)rət-
Medical Definition
generate
verb
gen·er·ate
ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt
generated; generating
: to bring into existence
: to produce offspring : propagate
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