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utter

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verb

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

Examples 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
Given the magnitude of the employment beat, the 10-year’s Friday jump from 4.68% to 4.76% was hardly evidence of utter shock and price dislocation, but simply an extra push in the direction the market has been moving for months. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2025 In this hellish landscape 'standing' is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
Not a word of condemnation has been uttered by the Western mainstream media, none whatsoever. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 This is where Howe’s words about the impossible kick in, or a version of them which Tonali uttered afterwards. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • That’s the experience the viewer simply must embrace with The Brutalist: giving themselves over to the sheer loudness of it all.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • But the sheer scale of what melodic techno DJ, producer, visual artist and visionary Anyma has created at Sphere Las Vegas is something to be experienced first hand.
    Danny Klein, SPIN, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Protecting her hair amidst heavy styling is of utmost importance to the celebrity stylist, which is why Moreno takes the necessary precautions of pre-styling deep conditioning, heat protectant, and of course, quality products.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Social dynamics are of utmost importance, especially for wearable devices, as these are worn on the user’s body and remain in plain sight.
    Mattia Lucchini, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The pair spent the evening cozied up at their table, whispering and sharing several kisses throughout the night.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • That is generally French for saying that yes, a dog can whisper.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • What To Know Authorities on Wednesday said 70,000 people are under evacuation orders in the Los Angeles area as wildfires burn through the region, and at least 28,000 structures are threatened.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Through the first 10 months of 2024, the city’s hotels posted average daily rates of about $205, with a 75% occupancy rate — but January, industry veterans say, is usually one of the year’s slowest months.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • No other sport gets the type of passion and the type of excitement and the type of absolute and complete dedication.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The second required only one completion, an absolute laser over the middle to DJ Moore for 27 yards to set up Cairo Santos’ game-tying 48-yard field goal as time expired.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The aim is to prevent AI from emitting foul remarks, stop AI from plainly showcasing how to make bombs and other weapons, and even avert the vaunted existential risk that AI might one day opt to enslave or wipe out humankind.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Then, the plant emits some sort of gas right into Devin’s face, and his mug once again becomes streaked in black.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • On Tuesday, the day before his attorneys filed their emergency appeal in the high court, Trump arranged to speak with Alito about one of his former clerks.
    David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • On Wednesday afternoon, ABC News first reported that Trump spoke with conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito one day before the president-elect asked the court for the immediate stay.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Without a complete picture of a youth’s background, psychologists may be unable to recommend the appropriate level of care, support or supervision.
    Philip Caldwell, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025
  • By the end of the day, a total of three fires were leaving a path of complete destruction in the area.
    Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near utter

Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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