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I'm looking for a word that can describe a statement that uses words (or sentiments) like "all" or "never" and applies to a wide domain. There is no implication of validity or accuracy, but I would be welcome to those suggestions as well.

"Sweeping" is as close as I can think of, but it feels like there is a better word for this.

Some examples:

  • Policemen are suspicious.
  • No children like broccoli.
  • All music is banned.

Thanks!

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  • "hasty generalization" (hasty may be replaced by rash or over-hasty). – Graffito Feb 29 '16 at 19:35
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Blanket

I prefer blanket over sweeping because blanket implies everything is covered, whereas sweeping implies perhaps more than should be included, but not necessarily everything.

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  • Great suggestion. – Lowell Feb 29 '16 at 17:38
  • Thanks. I appreciate you accepting my answer already, but I'd suggest checking back later to see if someone else comes up with a better answer. I'm relatively new to this site and don't consider myself an English expert (yet). It's possible my answer will be best, but likely not. – TTT Feb 29 '16 at 17:52
  • I plan on it :) – Lowell Feb 29 '16 at 18:33
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If the sentence is inaccurate, it is a form of overstatement

The action of expressing or stating something too strongly; exaggeration: a classic piece of overstatement

Oxford Dictionaries Online

It also could be referred to as exaggeration or hyperbole, although the latter is often used for a knowing overstatement.

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