generalize
verb
gen·er·al·ize
ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz 
ˈje-nə-
ˈje-nə-
generalized; generalizing
1
: to give a general form to
2
a
: to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars
b
: to draw a general conclusion from
3
: to give general applicability to
generalize a law
also
: to make indefinite
1
: to form generalizations
also
: to make vague or indefinite statements
She's always generalizing about men.
2
: to spread or extend throughout the body
generalizer
noun
Examples of generalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In some cases, that patient may generalize that to the whole health care system.
—
Charlotte Huff, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
At the risk of over-generalizing, as the protein content of a drink rises, its deliciousness diminishes.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025
The hope is that whatever is observed among patients enrolled in a trial will ultimately generalize to the broader population that receives treatment.
—Harsh Gupta, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
In addition, the study shows only associations, not causation, and the participants’ experiences may not necessarily generalize to a larger, more diverse population.
—Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
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Charlotte Huff, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
At the risk of over-generalizing, as the protein content of a drink rises, its deliciousness diminishes.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025
The hope is that whatever is observed among patients enrolled in a trial will ultimately generalize to the broader population that receives treatment.
—Harsh Gupta, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
In addition, the study shows only associations, not causation, and the participants’ experiences may not necessarily generalize to a larger, more diverse population.
—Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalize
Cite this Entry
“Generalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generalize
verb
gen·er·al·ize
ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz
generalized; generalizing
: to put in the form of a general rule : draw or state a general conclusion from a number of items or instances
Medical Definition
generalize
intransitive verb
gen·er·al·ize
variants
or British generalise
generalized or British generalised; generalizing or British generalising
: to spread or extend through all of a body part or region or through most of the entire body
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