in general

7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for in general, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adverb — Usually or in most cases, allowing for exceptions.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

generally usually overall

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

broadly

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

on the whole as a rule by and large

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adverb

Usually or in most cases, allowing for exceptions.

“In general, the trains run on time.”

generally usually on the whole as a rule by and large

Opposites

specifically in particular

2. adverb

Considering something as a whole rather than in its details.

“We talked about the economy in general rather than any one industry.”

broadly overall

How to use in general

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

in general terms people in general in general, however

Neutral; suitable for any register.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English in general.

Full origin of in general →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between in general and generally?

They mean the same thing, but the position differs: generally sits comfortably before the verb (people generally agree), while in general prefers the start or end of the clause (in general, people agree). In general can also follow a noun to mean as a whole, as in society in general.

Is in general the same as usually?

Nearly. Usually is strictly about frequency, while in general can also mean broadly speaking or overall, which is about scope rather than how often.

Do you need a comma after in general?

Yes when it opens a sentence: In general, this works well. Inside the sentence it normally takes no commas.

People also searched

usually generally overall specifically broadly in particular

Nearby words

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