as in categorized
disapproving
to unfairly think of or describe (someone or something) as belonging to only a certain category
She likes to perform different types of music because she doesn't want to be pigeonholed.
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Recent Examples of pigeonholed
Seattle’s assimilation of so many players that had previously been underestimated or counted out or pigeonholed, though — starting with former Jets first-round quarterback Sam Darnold — into such a dominant whole is rare.
—
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
But Burns doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into that description.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Women, on the other hand, especially those in the limelight, are frequently pigeonholed into being the face of the brand or the marketing tool.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
There is a part of me that didn’t want to be pigeonholed.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
That’s hardly the only time Davis has been pigeonholed in her career.
—Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
After making Dances With Wolves, Greene told his agents to pursue other types of projects to ensure he wasn’t pigeonholed as a performer.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
But Gaga has also been savvy enough not to be pigeonholed as just the avant-garde lady, though, opting for high elegance depending on the event.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
While men athletes often get pigeonholed into specific marketing lanes, women athletes naturally cross boundaries.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
But Burns doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into that description.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Women, on the other hand, especially those in the limelight, are frequently pigeonholed into being the face of the brand or the marketing tool.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
There is a part of me that didn’t want to be pigeonholed.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
That’s hardly the only time Davis has been pigeonholed in her career.
—Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
After making Dances With Wolves, Greene told his agents to pursue other types of projects to ensure he wasn’t pigeonholed as a performer.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
But Gaga has also been savvy enough not to be pigeonholed as just the avant-garde lady, though, opting for high elegance depending on the event.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
While men athletes often get pigeonholed into specific marketing lanes, women athletes naturally cross boundaries.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pigeonholed
Verb
-
This book is categorized as Young Adult fiction, but any age can find interest and intrigue in this cast of characters.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The food isn’t categorized under a single label.—
Timia Cobb
Breaking News Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An equal number of the baby foods in the study were classified as ultraprocessed foods, or UPFs.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), signed by the two countries last week, includes a provision confirming that used clothing and textiles classified under HS 6309 qualify for preferential treatment under the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
They have not been relegated since 1977.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
With Curry relegated to cheering, the Warriors lost 105-99 to the Lakers.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Officials said the project could benefit the salamander by reconnecting habitat areas that have been separated by erosion.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The living and sleeping areas can be separated by a curtain, giving the feeling of a two-bedroom suite.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The shooter was identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who had a long history mental health issues and interactions with the police, McDonald said at a news conference on Wednesday.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
McDonald said a clear motive was not identified, nor was a specific target.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pigeonholed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pigeonholed. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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