generalized

1 of 2

adjective

gen·​er·​al·​ized ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce generalized (audio)
ˈjen-rə-
Synonyms of generalized
: made general
especially : not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment

generalized

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of generalize

Examples of generalized in a Sentence

Adjective The patient has been experiencing generalized pain.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Retinol has become somewhat generalized as a term for the broader category of retinoids. — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 Intuit believes its expanding AI capabilities can help defend its core businesses against generalized AI tools. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Most hair loss supplements are too generalized to address specific nutritional deficiencies, and any hair loss serum should have clinical trials to back it up, Kingsley says. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026 There will also be games when the matchup calls for a more offensive tilt, so of course, the Jaguars have a generalized plan for Hunter’s usage. — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for generalized

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalized was in 1768

Phrases Containing generalized

Rhymes for generalized

See All Rhymes for generalized

Browse Nearby Words

generalize
generalized
generalized anxiety disorder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Generalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalized. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

generalized

adjective
gen·​er·​al·​ized
variants or British generalised
1
a
: spread or extended throughout the body : affecting many parts of the body
generalized paralysis
generalized aches and pains
b
: affecting or involving all of a single part or region of the body
generalized back pain
generalized mouth soreness
2
: not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment
a primitive generalized mammal

More from Merriam-Webster on generalized

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for generalized

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