Definition of generalizationnext
as in stereotype
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the generalization that children who like violent entertainment grow up to be violent criminals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 generalization Pestaina also cautioned against broad generalizations about savings. Liz Neporent, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 If there are any generalizations to be made about how different areas raise different types of players, Latson is qualified to make them. Rebecca Shore Winn, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026 This is a generalization, of course, and many only children are very social with other kids. Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026 Those decisions remain governed by statute and must be based on individualized assessments, not generalizations. Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for generalization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generalization
Noun
  • Despite persistent stereotypes, Japan hasn’t widely embraced the idea of robots as friends.
    Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Treating rap lyrics as diary entries minimizes their artistic value while playing on negative racial stereotypes to influence jurors, experts say.
    Maria Sherman, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Braves are methodical offensively, utilizing their downs to get to certain parts of the field and running different concepts to open spaces.
    PJ Green April 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Fans of shows or movies where characters break out of prison will have a chance to try it themselves at a new interactive escape room concept opening in Grapevine this fall.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mfume’s time representing us in Congress has been a testament to the notion of focusing on real public policy over grandstanding politics.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Additionally, the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh attracted attention in the United States not only with his opposition to the Vietnam War but also with his notion of Engaged Buddhism, which emphasizes improving human life through political activism and everyday acts of mindfulness.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Thriller’s conception is rendered as excitingly—if hokily—as anyone could ask for.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
  • When Vacheron Constantin launched the Overseas collection three decades ago, the models embodied the more than 270-year-old maison’s conception of an elegant traveling chronograph — rooted in the spirit of exploration and openness to the world.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Stirs some theories, too, about said coach’s real feelings about the pick.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In a new book, Geoff Kelly traces how the artworks moved through criminal networks, where violence took the lives of key suspects and witnesses, and challenges long-circulating theories by revisiting key details.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026

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“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generalization. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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