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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
The general primary election takes place on May 19.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 1 May 2026
ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Alleged crimes during her father’s tenure Karimova was indicted three years ago in Switzerland along with a former director-general of the Uzbek subsidiary of a Russian telecommunications company for crimes allegedly committed between 2005 and 2013.
—Jamey Keaten, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
Langer brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience in finance, strategy and general management.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
The general primary election takes place on May 19.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Noun
Besides Lula, other members of the court were openly campaigning for the solicitor-general, who also tried to garner votes from lawmakers of evangelical faith like him.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Alleged crimes during her father’s tenure Karimova was indicted three years ago in Switzerland along with a former director-general of the Uzbek subsidiary of a Russian telecommunications company for crimes allegedly committed between 2005 and 2013.
—Jamey Keaten, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
Previous Buc-ee's lawsuits This is not the first time Buc-ee's has sued a company over allegedly copying its famous beaver mascot and overall branding.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
Choose what’s sustainable, set a clear limit, and move forward with decisions that reflect long-term stability and support your overall direction.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
The race came amid a broader power struggle between the two sides of City Hall early in both Mamdani and Menin’s leadership, but the election will also have a more immediate impact.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
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
Adjective
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Jay Blackman,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
-
Newsletters such as The Ron Paul Survival Report warned that without gold politicians would be free to print unlimited dollars for entitlement programs.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
On update calls, Andy Sriubas, a former advertising executive put in charge of the field offices, seemed unable to answer specific questions.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Corporate executives often ask themselves how to participate in the benefits of deep tech innovation – but without trying to create this innovation based on just a few risky internal projects.—
Anis Uzzaman,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the company is bracing itself for an avalanche of cheaper generic versions of its drug as the patent protecting its active ingredient, semaglutide, expires this year in several countries, including India and China.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
The environments themselves often resemble generic fantasy soundstages, and at a point, every arena feels distinct yet meaningless.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cost of living, public safety and border security are hurting working families.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
In California, the effects of the breach rippled across the state’s largest public and private institutions within hours Thursday.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Dosunmu, an unrestricted free agent, now has a playoff stage to showcase his talent and cash in this summer.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
-
Vucevic is the Celtics’ only impending unrestricted free agent.—
Zack Cox,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
