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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
The play left the league — fans and players alike — in utter disbelief. Cale Clinton, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024 Scott has long enjoyed making men in positions of power look like utter fools. Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
Unlike the multi-beat belt of that word on the Broadway recording, here, it’s uttered in affecting disbelief. Sammi Tapper, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 Trump did not utter the name of his opponent – Vice President Kamala Harris – or any Democrat, for that matter, throughout his roughly 20-minute address. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • Working in this season's favor was the sheer unpredictability from week to week in terms of who was aligned with whom and what would happen at Tribal Council.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • There, along with accepting the Maverick Award, the actress wore a sheer gown with long sleeves and a high neck for the occasion.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Leave it to Victoria Beckham to do so with the utmost elegance and aplomb.
    Nuria Luis, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
  • No matter what sports team a student plays on or what extracurricular activities a student participates in, every student deserves to be treated with the utmost kindness and respect – on and off the field, in and out of the classroom.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Because with her, an outfit always whispers elegance.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Revelations are found within interactions between characters who end up in small configurations — pairs or trios — to whisper about what’s really going on.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Anthopoulos said Grant Holmes will get a chance to win a starting job after impressing as both a reliever and starter in his 2024 rookie season.
    David O'Brien, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Swipe fees are often merchants’ second largest expense after labor and eventually get passed down to consumers, experts said.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Beginning Sunday at the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers are about to embark upon an absolute gantlet.
    Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Early results for the fourth quarter of the year show preliminary data for October at a new record high for credit card debt in the month, in absolute terms.
    Carleen Johnson | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Data centers and transmission networks worldwide are already responsible for emitting as much carbon dioxide annually as Brazil, according to the IEA, and that number is expected to rise as AI use grows.
    Heiko Claussen, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Eyewitness reports, social media videos and officials confirm the drones are up to 6 feet in diameter, can quickly go from emitting eerie lights to no light at all and often avoid detection.
    Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In an interview with TIME in May, the Rare Beauty founder, 31, spoke about her relationship with the music producer, 36, noting that if the two hadn't met, her future plans included adopting a baby a few years down the road.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Tisdale spoke with her hair colorist, who encouraged her to get in touch with a dermatologist who could provide more clarity about what was going on.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump allies had been concerned that a successful effort to derail Hegseth’s candidacy would empower opposition to other nominees, undermining his projections of complete dominance of the party.
    Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Seven have died in Broward since 2000, the earliest date with complete data.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near utter

Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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