as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose
a general-purpose glue for routine household repairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of general-purpose
Australia signed contracts for the first three general-purpose frigates on April 18, 2026.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 May 2026
Haenni recommends using a balanced, general-purpose houseplant fertilizer three to four times a year during the growing season.
—Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 5 May 2026
Start with a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer and follow the label dosage.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Manus, which has Chinese roots but is based in Singapore, provides a general-purpose AI agent that can autonomously carry out sophisticated tasks like coding an app, doing market research or preparing quarterly budgets.
—Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 May 2026
Haenni recommends using a balanced, general-purpose houseplant fertilizer three to four times a year during the growing season.
—Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 5 May 2026
Start with a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer and follow the label dosage.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Manus, which has Chinese roots but is based in Singapore, provides a general-purpose AI agent that can autonomously carry out sophisticated tasks like coding an app, doing market research or preparing quarterly budgets.
—Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general-purpose
Adjective
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
-
Subscribe now to support our journalism and get unlimited access to our coverage.—
Wendy Goodman,
Curbed,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Fields pairs highly adaptable facilities with expert, hands-on production support — a combination that general manager RoseMary Prodonovich says is designed to fuel creative endeavors.—
Kathy A. McDonald,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
Husband is a genuinely excellent partner and a kind, funny, good person in general.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Along with Harris, Javonte Green and Kevin Huerter will also be unrestricted free agents.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
The club made the somewhat unusual decision to place an unrestricted-free-agent tender on Rodgers, a paperwork move that gave the Steelers a bit of protection should Rodgers have opted to sign with another team before training camp opened in late July.—
Will Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general-purpose. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
