universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce universal (audio)
Definition of universalnext
1
as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things a universal wrench

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole mankind's universal need for affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points the genius of Leonardo da Vinci was universal: he was an artist, an architect, an engineer, and a scientist, among other things

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ubiquitous
present in all places and at all times after the home team won the national championship, throughout the city a sense of pride was as universal as the air

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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 universal Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 Bookings on Airbnb have always included cleaning fees, but there hadn’t been universal policies on what hosts could ask renters to complete. — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 War souvenirs are a largely universal occurrence, Dickey said, and World War II saw Americans returning home with plenty of mementos from Europe, including Nazi paraphernalia like pins and insignias. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Like all great fairy tales, the film’s period and setting are loose enough to grant its lessons a universal quality. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
  1. versatile
  2. general
  3. comprehensive
  4. ubiquitous
  5. adaptable
  6. generic
  7. global
  8. widespread
Adjective
  • The latter is a versatile space hosting meditation sessions, gatherings, and concerts.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • There will be a ton of pressure on TCU’s offense to shine, and the same could be said for the Horned Frogs’ defense, which will be challenged by a versatile offense.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, described RIG-360 as critical to PAC-3 operations and in-flight performance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Vance has faced general questions about his association with Carlson, a former Fox News host who faced backlash last year for interviewing antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast.
    — Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • In addition to this, more comprehensive work looking into how natto appears to improve bone health has made this avenue of research particularly interesting.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This made the discovery more comprehensive, but almost made clear that the flaw was more serious than Calif had originally realized, an OpenAI spokesperson told Fortune.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • The conversation around weight loss medications such as GLP-1s can, at times, feel ubiquitous.
    — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The former’s company, Omaha Productions, is part-owned by the NFL and Manning is a ubiquitous media presence on top of his Hall of Fame playing credentials.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ubiquitous
Adjective
  • Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The program’s open-architecture approach is intended to make those systems more adaptable as operational requirements evolve.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • Brain games, crosswords and math puzzles are often promoted as ways to sharpen memory, but neurologists warn that generic exercises may not address the specific cause of mental fog.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In the longer term, the generic industry — which represents most prescriptions filled in the United States — will continue pushing for an overhaul of the patent system brand-name drugmakers use to maintain exclusivity over their products.
    — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • Advertisement Iran’s key point of leverage is its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway vital to global energy trade.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Animal diseases also threaten our economy and food system, destroying more than 20% of global livestock production each year.
    — Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of global
Adjective
  • That sentiment is even stronger now than in 2022, when Lula benefited from widespread opposition to Jair Bolsonaro after a presidency marked by controversy over his government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Together, these approaches transformed the fight against a disease that once caused widespread paralysis and outbreaks, particularly among children.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity
universal
universally
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Cite this Entry

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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