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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of universal
While the theme of grief and the use of genre elements are universal, both of the British collaborators acknowledged the character’s repressed approach to grief was distinctly British, and the appeal of the crow character in helping shake them out of it.
—
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025
The way readers interpret romance on the page may vary, but the desire for complex characters and emotional depth remains universal.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Finding sand in every crevice of your home after the beach is a universal experience.
—Olivia Bria, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
Also deeply familiar is the tabloid hysteria, which has since become our universal ALL-CAPS way of communicating.
—Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for universal 
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025
The way readers interpret romance on the page may vary, but the desire for complex characters and emotional depth remains universal.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Finding sand in every crevice of your home after the beach is a universal experience.
—Olivia Bria, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
Also deeply familiar is the tabloid hysteria, which has since become our universal ALL-CAPS way of communicating.
—Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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The versatile wardrobe essential can be dressed up with black boots or down with canvas sneakers.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
15 Feb. 2025
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This versatile light bulb integrates seamlessly with the Alexa, Google, and SmartThing ecosystems and works with a host of other smart home devices using the U home app and IFTTT applets.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The specifics of forecast models this far out in time can change dramatically, so this is just a general idea of how storms could behave and not a high-confidence, detailed forecast.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
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The rule requires teams to include two minority candidate during the interview process for head coaching jobs and was later applied to general managers, senior executives and assistant coaches.—
Joseph N. Cooper,
The Conversation,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There is also little doubt those comprehensive plans went up in flames.—
Josh Klein,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
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The top 25 airlines all meet a list of specific requirements, such as providing a comprehensive full-service experience, and having an economy seat pitch of a minimum of 31 inches.—
Tamara Hardingham-Gill,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Maps are ubiquitous – on phones, in-flight and car displays, and in textbooks the world over.—
Christine Leuenberger,
The Conversation,
7 Feb. 2025
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About 40% of kids age 8-12 use social media, while usage by teens age 13-18 is nearly ubiquitous.—
Rich Lowry,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But however adaptable Malone is to rapping, singing pop and more recently going country, something didn’t click here.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2025
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This fast-growing tree is a favorite for planting in wet spots, although this surprisingly adaptable tree also will grow well in drier sites.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The company said the decline was primarily due to lower pricing in the U.S., supply constraints in China and ongoing competition from cheaper generic drugs in international markets.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2025
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About half of generic drugs people take in the U.S. — including cancer drugs, antibiotics and blood thinners — are made entirely overseas, where manufacturing is cheaper, said Dr. Aaron Kesselheim, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School whose research focuses on prescription drugs.—
Berkeley Lovelace Jr.,
NBC News,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The cantilevered rooftop deck is outfitted with a wet bar, ample seating space, and panoramic views, while a cascading terrace at the back of the house includes a shaded dining spot, a circular spa and a turquoise swimming pool, an outdoor shower, and a private dock with a boat lift.—
Emma Reynolds,
Robb Report,
5 Feb. 2025
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Or take a dip in the heated infinity edge pool and hot tub, both of which have gorgeous panoramic views of McLemore Cove.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Portions of the Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valleys all stand a chance of being hit with widespread showers and thunderstorms as the storm moves eastward to the Appalachians, the weather service said.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
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As widespread flooding swamped Kentucky, Kentucky Route 160 in Knott County was closed due to a landslide, while some homes in Perry County were evacuated, and waters in Hardin County reached historic levels, Gov. Andy Beshear said Saturday afternoon.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN,
15 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near universal
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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