generalization
noun
gen·er·al·i·za·tion
ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌje-nə-
ˌje-nə-
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
made broad generalizations about women
3
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus
Examples of generalization in a Sentence
He made several sweeping generalizations about women.
She was prone to generalization.
Recent Examples on the Web
The intervention in the study is too short to make any generalizations about long-term health impacts, says Fryer.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Feb. 2025
The American Kennel Club also reminded readers that these are generalizations, and that most dogs can be trained to live peacefully with cats.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The redaction process should be able to replace sensitive information with appropriate generalizations that preserve the overall meaning and flow of the conversation.
—Vinay Goel, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
There are certainly years that defy these generalizations, and in which there were surprise winners, unexpected exclusions, and softer lists of contenders.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for generalization
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Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Feb. 2025
The American Kennel Club also reminded readers that these are generalizations, and that most dogs can be trained to live peacefully with cats.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The redaction process should be able to replace sensitive information with appropriate generalizations that preserve the overall meaning and flow of the conversation.
—Vinay Goel, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
There are certainly years that defy these generalizations, and in which there were surprise winners, unexpected exclusions, and softer lists of contenders.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for generalization
Cite this Entry
“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalization. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generalization
noun
gen·er·al·i·za·tion
ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
Medical Definition
generalization
noun
gen·er·al·iza·tion
variants
or British generalisation
1
: the action or process of becoming widespread or diffuse
secondary generalization of a partial seizure
2
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus
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