general 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjen-rəl How to pronounce general (audio)
Definition of generalnext
1
as in overall
belonging or relating to the whole a general increase in postage rates there's been a general improvement in the economy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details gave the general impression of being kindhearted a general course of study in American history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people it was the general opinion that the politician was a liar the general mood of the nation was one of hope and optimism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose a new kitchen tool of general usefulness a general education

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

general

2 of 2

noun

as in executive

Related Words

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
Adjective
In August, a league task force of team presidents and general managers discussed transgender participation along with online abuse directed at players. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Address Specific Client Problems To Attract Buyers Publish the specific problem, not general advice. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
The pope also held separate meetings with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of the Diocese of Rome. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Continue reading … ‘LETHAL ALLIANCE’ — Top US general vows to destroy 'anything and everything' backing a Russia strike. — FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
  1. overall
  2. broad
  3. prevailing
  4. unlimited
  5. executive
  6. generic
  7. public
  8. unrestricted
Adjective
  • Seven Hurricanes players scored in double figures as Miami shot 58% from the field overall.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Social interaction provides emotional support and contributes to overall well-being.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of overall
Adjective
  • In a broad open field, horses munch standing hay as Katie Baltzor watches her black angus cattle on this fall day.
    — Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That broader mission could give the Army another option for responding to different aerial targets.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.
    — Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of prevailing
Adjective
  • As an independent expenditure committee, Unidos Con Karen Bass is allowed to raise campaign donations in unlimited amounts.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Unlimited Plan includes unlimited monthly messages, subject to a fair-use policy, plus priority customer support and access to future features and models.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of unlimited
Noun
  • Alon, Oren’s twin, was an executive at their family’s security firm and frequented the same social circles with his brothers.
    — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • She executive produces it and co-hosts alongside Renee Montgomery, Sarah Tiana, and Colleen Wolfe.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of executive
Adjective
  • Brain games, crosswords and math puzzles are often promoted as ways to sharpen memory, but neurologists warn that generic exercises may not address the specific cause of mental fog.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In the longer term, the generic industry — which represents most prescriptions filled in the United States — will continue pushing for an overhaul of the patent system brand-name drugmakers use to maintain exclusivity over their products.
    — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • Protests last week devolved into mayhem, with people setting fires, storming public buildings, smashing shop windows, looting and clashing with police.
    — ELITSA GADEVA, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In June, the district attorney’s office filed public nuisance lawsuits intended to shut down two motels, Super 7 Inn and Delux Inn, on South Freeway in Fort Worth that are beset by crime.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of public
Adjective
  • In the mid-2000s, then-President Hugo Chávez set out to tally reserves in the Orinoco Belt, amid increasing global oil prices and virtually unrestricted government spending.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Irving has a player-option on his contract for the 2027-28 season, and will be unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unrestricted

Phrases Containing general

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generable
general
general assemblies
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Cite this Entry

“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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