as in type
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic
the crime novel, written from the criminal's perspective, is sometimes seen as a particular species of the detective story genus
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Recent Examples of genus
Azaleas and Rhododendrons Like other spring bloomers, shrubs in the Rhododendron genus bloom on one-year-old wood.
—
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Heather Hallen-Adams, the toxicology chair of the North American Mycological Association, previously told NBC News that death cap mushrooms look similar to other species in its genus, Amanita, that are often collected in Mexico and are safe to eat.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
The genus Candida encompasses about 200 different species.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
Giardia is a genus of microscopic parasites that frequently cause outbreaks of diarrhea to this day.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Heather Hallen-Adams, the toxicology chair of the North American Mycological Association, previously told NBC News that death cap mushrooms look similar to other species in its genus, Amanita, that are often collected in Mexico and are safe to eat.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
The genus Candida encompasses about 200 different species.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
Giardia is a genus of microscopic parasites that frequently cause outbreaks of diarrhea to this day.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genus
Noun
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As the first Brazilian nominee in the category — a milestone that lives beside his historic Golden Globe win — his presence alone marks a meaningful moment.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
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Researchers classified low-fat or low-carb diets into 5 categories, including total, healthy, unhealthy, animal or vegetable.—
Barbara Mantel,
NBC news,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The arbitrator was moved by his story but ruled against him anyway, denying him his last chance for a win of any kind at this year’s Olympics.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Returning on her sixth studio album, To Whom It May Concern, the Philadelphia native brings in immeasurable wisdom, blossoming into the effortless positivity and authenticity of past albums—the kind that has assisted multiple generations on their respective healing journeys.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The animals, protected under the federal, and soon the state, endangered species acts, were greeted like canine celebrities, as residents watched their movements and eagerly followed the birth of pups via trail cameras and media reports.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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This species is known for its broad shoulders and its habit of aggressively attacking other birds—perhaps providing some inspiration for the team’s players as Sunday approaches.—
Jenna Ahart,
Scientific American,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Genus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genus. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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