Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

broad-brush

American  
[brawd-bruhsh] / ˈbrɔdˌbrʌʃ /

adjective

  1. characterized by sweeping comprehensiveness with little attention to details.

    a broad-brush approach to reform.


Etymology

Origin of broad-brush

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"There are some broad-brush moments in the dialogue, yes, but even these are applied with a muscular flourish," he added.

From BBC Jul. 15, 2026

Digital rights defenders caution against broad-brush measures, and call for a "safety-by-design" approach where the EU demands certain features are removed.

From Barron's Jul. 13, 2026

The broad-brush picture is known: About 60 million years ago, the Indian Plate began to plow into Eurasia and thrust up the Himalayas, the highest mountains on Earth.

From Science Magazine Nov. 17, 2024

Leaders who have been critical of specific types of diversity programs from within the industry argue that broad-brush criticisms of D.E.I. can be counterproductive, distracting from meaningful efforts to reform corporate diversity initiatives.

From New York Times Jan. 22, 2024

“The detail that will be revealed, this beautiful complexity that’s gonna show up—that will fine tune our ability to go from broad-brush histories of the solar system” to something more measured and precise, says Bannister.

From National Geographic Jan. 9, 2024

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training