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
Synonyms
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
Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope This horoscope was generated automatically using information from Sanctuary.
—USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024
Protected bike lanes, RiverWalk murals, and designs to improve King Drive and Pere Marquette Park would be financed through $6.4 million generated by property tax revenue from newer Milwaukee developments under plans before city officials.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for generate 
USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024
Protected bike lanes, RiverWalk murals, and designs to improve King Drive and Pere Marquette Park would be financed through $6.4 million generated by property tax revenue from newer Milwaukee developments under plans before city officials.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for generate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near generate
Cite this Entry
“Generate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generate. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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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