Synonyms for

Generic

Verb / dʒʌˈnerɪk / Another word for generic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to a whole group or class; not specific or unique

Synonyms & similar words

varietal genericwine varietalwine general common universal standard usual ordinary typical conventional plain simple basic indiscriminate all-encompassing comprehensive broad inclusive global collective mass group

Synonyms by register

Formal

general universal common typical

Informal

standard regular plain ordinary bog-standard

Literary

archetypal quintessential representative

Antonyms

specific particular individual unique special distinct original

Common collocations

  • generic drug
  • generic term
  • generic name
  • generic product
  • generic brand
  • generic question
  • generic response
  • generic type

Word family

noun generality
adjective generic
adverb generically

Usage note

Often used in contrast to 'specific' or 'branded'. Be mindful that in some contexts, particularly pharmaceuticals, 'generic' implies a lower-cost alternative to a branded product.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher asked the students to write a generic essay about their summer vacation.
  2. The doctor prescribed a generic medication instead of a name brand one.
  3. The store carries a variety of generic products.
  4. The company's logo is too generic and needs to be more unique.
  5. The museum display was too generic and didn't provide enough details.

Quotes

  • 'I'm not a generic sort of person. I'm not a trendy person. I'm a very classic, old-fashioned, comfortable sort of person.' - Julie Andrews
  • 'I'm not a generic looking guy. I didn't come up through the ranks looking like every other model out there.' - Tyson Beckford
  • 'I'm not a generic politician. I'm an engineer. I'm a problem solver.' - John Chiang

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