utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər How to pronounce utter (audio)
Definition of utternext
1
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in utmost
of the highest degree spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utter

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to whisper
to send forth using the vocal cords she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words never uttered a single comment at the meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word utter distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of utter are air, broach, express, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When is air a more appropriate choice than utter?

In some situations, the words air and utter are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

In what contexts can broach take the place of utter?

The synonyms broach and utter are sometimes interchangeable, but broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to utter?

The words express and utter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When might vent be a better fit than utter?

While in some cases nearly identical to utter, vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When would voice be a good substitute for utter?

The meanings of voice and utter largely overlap; however, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 utter
Adjective
Popular at American Chinese or Cajun-style Chinese restaurants, the sticky-sweet chicken is the utter definition of delicious, luring weary shoppers into food courts to find refuge from the bubblegum pink sweatpants and ripped denim. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy. — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
The attackers uttered homophobic remarks before repeatedly punching and kicking the victims, police said. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026 The first one, released in 1986, featured Stevie Ray Vaughan playing guitar in front of a huge Texas flag and uttering the now-famous slogan into the camera. — Katie Standing, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
  1. sheer
  2. utmost
  3. whisper
  4. say
  5. absolute
  6. emit
  7. speak
  8. complete
Adjective
  • The tracks, the engineers, the data, the media attention, the sheer amount of racing—the Formula 1 World Championship consists of twenty-plus races, on five continents, in nine months.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The silhouette was mostly formfitting and streamlined, with emphasis at the hips and waist and a continuation of the contrasting sheer, black fabric running down the column skirt.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • Cohen said taking the American atelier’s techniques and pushing them forward was of the utmost importance, also seen through a great selection of sculptural leather layers.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For children who have survived one of the most brutal wars imaginable, choosing an appropriate film is of the utmost importance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of utmost
Verb
  • The two of them dance mostly side by side for a time, until the ghost, Pan, whispers something in Astaire's ear.
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Robotic claws whispered along branching tracks, clutching boxy carriers beneath them like prizes in an arcade game.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • What employers are doing Kostka says there have recently been fewer health insurers in her area to choose from.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Hamilton, in response, said that his church changed its policies in response to the scandal and eventually turned the matter over to police.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of say
Adjective
  • The slap on the wrist capped an otherwise strong Celtics debut for the nine-time All-Star, who was putting on an absolute clinic.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Milanese Suite combines elegance and spaciousness with absolute comfort.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute
Verb
  • Many of these materials are made from oil, which emits pollutants when burned, driving climate change and fueling extreme weather.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Conventional diamond quantum sensors measure fluorescent light that is emitted by these defects.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of emit
Verb
  • Artificial intelligence needs as little as three seconds of you speaking to produce a convincing clone of your voice.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of speak
Adjective
  • Great part was my wife was in complete symphony on it instantly, and that actually was a wonderful bonding moment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • With just more than a third of the season complete, the Rams are 2-4.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

utopias
utter
utterance
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Cite this Entry

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

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