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
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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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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of universal
Is there a universal question or need among the members of the audience?
—
Bobbie Carlton, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Miss Manners suggests the universal signal of wait-a-minute, which is to hold up a finger, flash a quick smile and go on talking.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024
Understanding this reality is crucial to solving that universal challenge of working mothers around the world: a lack of time to execute on your responsibilities, which can have a detrimental impact on your mental and physical health.
—Blessing Adesiyan, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
Two films represent iconic peaks, both reflecting an intoxicating mix of culturally specific narratives and universal metaphorical distinctions.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for universal 
Bobbie Carlton, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Miss Manners suggests the universal signal of wait-a-minute, which is to hold up a finger, flash a quick smile and go on talking.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024
Understanding this reality is crucial to solving that universal challenge of working mothers around the world: a lack of time to execute on your responsibilities, which can have a detrimental impact on your mental and physical health.
—Blessing Adesiyan, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
Two films represent iconic peaks, both reflecting an intoxicating mix of culturally specific narratives and universal metaphorical distinctions.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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This headlamp is versatile enough for most activities, though well suited for running.Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
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Though priced slightly higher than some competitors, its versatile customization options stand out for tailored workflows.Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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This is a wisp of a premise — aside from her muted graffiti efforts, our protagonist’s grief manifests itself more as general moodiness than anything particularly tangible.Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
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Trump, meanwhile, leaned on some famous Black male supporters, including controversial former NFL standouts Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, while also pitching himself to men in general through social media influencers, creators and podcasters.Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Thanks to comprehensive smoke-free laws and other tobacco control policies, smoking rates in the United States are at historic low levels, with 11.5% of U.S. adults smoking in 2021.David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
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The company reported a comprehensive loss of $2.7 million for the quarter, compared to $2.2 million in the previous year.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In a perfect world, there would be some logic to getting rid of the equal-time rule, and, quite frankly, the same FCC regulations that force networks to censor four-letter words that are ubiquitous on virtually every other form of media.Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
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Near ubiquitous, however, is consternation about the election process as a whole, with Pennsylvania being Ground Zero for an unyielding torrent of partisan propaganda.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Unisex yet adaptable, the Hikelite 26 is now offered with a wider and taller frame for a more inclusive fit.Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
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Researchers were able to conduct CT scans of the fossil, which revealed insights into the arthropod’s adaptable head and appendages.Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Some patients are using lower-than-recommended dosages of generic weight-loss drugs to slim down while saving money.Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
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Without that understanding, leaders can get seduced by the generic advice of outside consultants.Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The volumising, panoramic mascara has a similar inky black appearance as the nail polish used at Marc Jacobs, but instead, a thick, contoured brush is used to sculpt and coat each lash.India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
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As with most Kias, the interior features loads of technology including a panoramic curved display that integrates two 12.3-inch screens.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The winner of the presidential election was declared early the next morning, few people claimed widespread voter fraud, and the losing candidate conceded defeat.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
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Even operations that military analysts laud for their technical sophistication have lacked the precision to avoid widespread harm to civilians.Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near universal
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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