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
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
Both paid dividends in the form of construction jobs, permanent employment, and revenue generated from economic growth and taxes.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
In reality, the technology is a toolkit that enables geologists to draw on data, models, and geophysics to generate valuable insights at various stages of a mining project.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The prison is expected to generate approximately $100 million in annual revenue for the company once fully operational.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Feb. 2026
Items like these serve as tangible evidence that pollution generated by human industry does not stay near the surface or close to shore.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for generate
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David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
In reality, the technology is a toolkit that enables geologists to draw on data, models, and geophysics to generate valuable insights at various stages of a mining project.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The prison is expected to generate approximately $100 million in annual revenue for the company once fully operational.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Feb. 2026
Items like these serve as tangible evidence that pollution generated by human industry does not stay near the surface or close to shore.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for generate
Cite this Entry
“Generate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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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