generate
verb
gen·er·ate
ˈje-nə-ˌrāt 
generated; generating; generates
1
2
: to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
These stories … generate a good deal of psychological suspense …—
Atlantic
Atlantic3
: to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations
especially
: to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve
Examples of generate in a Sentence
windmills used to generate electricity
This business should generate a lot of revenue.
We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting.
His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists.
Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement.
They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Disney and Lucasfilm have trumpeted Star Wars franchise news at the Tokyo event in an effort to generate strong buzz for upcoming TV, film and gaming releases.
—William Earl, Variety, 20 Apr. 2025
The way to make this all possible, Democrats say, is by loosening the fiscal guardrails that were created on a bipartisan basis in 2017 and have allowed the state to generate continuous surpluses during Lamont’s tenure.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
Plus, those who want to generate AI art are limited to one small textbox to communicate their needs.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
These systems require massive amounts of electricity — much more than traditional rail — and Maryland is already struggling to generate and deliver reliable energy.
—Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generate
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William Earl, Variety, 20 Apr. 2025
The way to make this all possible, Democrats say, is by loosening the fiscal guardrails that were created on a bipartisan basis in 2017 and have allowed the state to generate continuous surpluses during Lamont’s tenure.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
Plus, those who want to generate AI art are limited to one small textbox to communicate their needs.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
These systems require massive amounts of electricity — much more than traditional rail — and Maryland is already struggling to generate and deliver reliable energy.
—Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generate
Cite this Entry
“Generate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generate
verb
gen·er·ate
ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt
generated; generating
1
: to bring into existence
generate electricity
2
: to be the cause of or reason for
news that generated excitement
generative
adjective
-ə-ˌrāt-iv
-(ə-)rət-
Medical Definition
generate
verb
gen·er·ate
ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt
generated; generating
: to bring into existence
: to produce offspring : propagate
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