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
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Recent Examples of generalization
However, the problem with these generalizations is that the economy is so huge that there are variations in many places.
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Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2024
The point of view has shifted but the temptation to speak in bulldozing generalizations—to dismiss entire populations as inherently backwards and violent—clings like a wet sock.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 June 2024
Such generalizations, of course, are necessarily built on a small sample size.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Between the lines: The highly unusual state report was heavy on generalizations and light on data, the Times reported.
—Kathryn Varn, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for generalization 
Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2024
The point of view has shifted but the temptation to speak in bulldozing generalizations—to dismiss entire populations as inherently backwards and violent—clings like a wet sock.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 June 2024
Such generalizations, of course, are necessarily built on a small sample size.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Between the lines: The highly unusual state report was heavy on generalizations and light on data, the Times reported.
—Kathryn Varn, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for generalization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generalization
Noun
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For one, perpetuating the idea that women are more likely to be set up for failure reinforces negative stereotypes about women’s leadership abilities.Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
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This statement is deeply offensive and perpetuates damaging stereotypes about students with disabilities who are disproportionately suspended and excluded from school.Zena Naiditch, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Robert Eggers is taking the concept of a bloody Valentine quite literally for an upcoming program at New York City’s Film at Lincoln Center.Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025
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Clients benefit from seamless collaboration, as the firm oversees every aspect of a project, from initial concept to final construction, and even procurement of furnishings and artwork.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Trump has long scorned the very notion of domestic extremism, dismissing it as overblown or invented.Will Carless, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
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The Broncos coach scoffed at the notion that night at Empower Field.Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The country offers lower costs and a simplified process for prospective parents, including parental rights from conception, without court proceedings.Lili Rutai, The Dial, 7 Jan. 2025
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Arguably, no other single work of literature has done more to establish our modern conception of Santa Clause.Erik Kain, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The previous truth exists as a thorough rejection of modern economic theory promoted by individuals within the Keynesian, monetarist, and Austrian schools.John Tamny, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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The theory became known as Pizzagate, which circulated among far-right conspiracy theory websites and social media accounts.Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near generalization
Cite this Entry
“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generalization. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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