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
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
But stubborn real-life exceptions always prevented the formation of any ironclad socioeconomic generalization about fertility decline.
—Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024
While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers.
—Colin Flint, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for generalization 
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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
But stubborn real-life exceptions always prevented the formation of any ironclad socioeconomic generalization about fertility decline.
—Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024
While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers.
—Colin Flint, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for generalization
Dictionary Entries Near generalization
Cite this Entry
“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalization. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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