pigeonholed

verb

past tense of pigeonhole
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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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 pigeonholed But experts say chair yoga shouldn’t be pigeonholed, because anyone can benefit. — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 Long marginalized or pigeonholed by festival programmers, African cinema has achieved an undeniable foothold in the main programming strands of A-class fests. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026 This versatility makes checkerboard easier to translate into different aesthetics, allowing anyone to try the trend without feeling pigeonholed. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026 An island that is often pigeonholed to infinity pools and rice-paddy views, the tropical destination is also home to working rice terraces still farmed by hand, daily temple offerings, and craft traditions passed down over generations. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026 It's not just pigeonholed into one spot. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 That way, you’re not pigeonholed into redeeming your rewards exclusively through Delta. — Sarah Hostetler, CNBC, 5 June 2026 Conversations are cut down, some couples are poised to be the favorites, while other contestants get pigeonholed as the villains. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 1 June 2026 The best sci-fi games are often pigeonholed into specific genres like shooters, strategy games, and RPGs, and for good reason; franchises like Mass Effect, StarCraft, and Half-Life are all-time classics. — Keith Langston, Space.com, 31 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pigeonholed
  1. categorized
  2. classified
  3. relegated
  4. separated
  5. identified
Verb
  • With this much space, the entire region can’t be categorized in any one specific way—except with the word dramatic.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Images get treated and categorized one way; PDFs another; text notes another.
    — David Pierce, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of categorized
Verb
  • Now owned by the state of Bavaria, the ⁠Kehlsteinhaus ​was classified after the ​war as a historical monument recalling the Nazi period.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But China's latest regulations require people classified as Chinese tax residents to self-declare worldwide income to Beijing, Wang said.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of classified
Verb
  • Garver struggled offensively in Seattle compared with his time in Texas and was relegated to a backup role behind catcher Cal Raleigh.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, he’s often relegated to the role of good-faith interlocutor, trying his best to get to the truth of who Holmes and Evans are, the nature of their relationship, and their motivations for participating in this project.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of relegated
Verb
  • Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Her parents had recently separated, and her mother, Alta Apantenco, was working as a waitress to support herself and her young daughter.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of separated
Verb
  • As of early Thursday afternoon, officials had not identified the man who died.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The victim was transported to the medical examiner's office to be identified.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of identified

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Cite this Entry

“Pigeonholed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pigeonholed. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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