as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
an unfair, broad-brush accusation of corruption in the statehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of broad-brush
In fact, much of the final deal is broad-brush — a plan to collaborate in the future, but one with details that remain to be determined.
—
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Both China and the EU have been targets of President Donald Trump’s broad-brush global tariff regime, and have pivoted to each other for more predictable trade parternships.
—Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
This broad-brush approach creates regulatory uncertainty, discourages institutional adoption, and pushes businesses to more welcoming jurisdictions.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
While the administration has given the broad-brush details of its trade plans, the details and implementation are still up for grabs.
—Josh Fellman, Quartz, 12 Feb. 2025
Making up for the broad-brush failure generally, and Pittsburgh specifically, is almost impossible, but Saturday provides an ideal opportunity.
—Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
On the surface, the difference might suggest nothing more than a rounding error, but such broad-brush statistics don’t tell the full story about who’s buying—and who’s buying what.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2024
Yet a recent deportation case involving a Laguna Niguel couple highlights the broad-brush approach the administration is taking—one that is sweeping up people who are in no ways a threat to anybody.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025
This broad-brush approach creates regulatory uncertainty, discourages institutional adoption, and pushes businesses to more welcoming jurisdictions.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Both China and the EU have been targets of President Donald Trump’s broad-brush global tariff regime, and have pivoted to each other for more predictable trade parternships.
—Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
This broad-brush approach creates regulatory uncertainty, discourages institutional adoption, and pushes businesses to more welcoming jurisdictions.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
While the administration has given the broad-brush details of its trade plans, the details and implementation are still up for grabs.
—Josh Fellman, Quartz, 12 Feb. 2025
Making up for the broad-brush failure generally, and Pittsburgh specifically, is almost impossible, but Saturday provides an ideal opportunity.
—Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
On the surface, the difference might suggest nothing more than a rounding error, but such broad-brush statistics don’t tell the full story about who’s buying—and who’s buying what.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2024
Yet a recent deportation case involving a Laguna Niguel couple highlights the broad-brush approach the administration is taking—one that is sweeping up people who are in no ways a threat to anybody.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025
This broad-brush approach creates regulatory uncertainty, discourages institutional adoption, and pushes businesses to more welcoming jurisdictions.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad-brush
Adjective
-
Thus far, though, it’s been an elixir for the American economy, which was suffering from inflation and a general malaise.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
-
That tracks with the general rhythm of a long-haul flight: meal service, lull, second meal, descent.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pick up that Walmart set of pencils or the generic Target pencil sharpener.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
12 July 2025
-
Share transformation stories instead of generic tips.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
More Black people are turning to the keto lifestyle as a way to take control of their health, energy, and overall well-being.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
As a result, Flynn said the overall weather pattern may become more conducive to a longer heat wave as the calendar pages turn.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Hartman characterized her dismissal as an indication of a broader destabilization inside the Justice Department and Trump administration.—
Scott MacFarlane
July 10,
CBS News,
10 July 2025
-
Some reports estimate that tens of thousands of moderate Muslims also have been killed by extremists in Nigeria, reflecting the broader toll of militant violence.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ream’s words served as an important reminder of a common theme from Saturday’s press conference, which featured five U.S. players as well as coach Mauricio Pochettino.—
Paul Tenorio,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
-
In some regions, particularly those hit hard by COVID-19 and economic downturns, substance abuse has become a common though destructive coping mechanism.—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Broad-brush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad-brush. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share