utter 1 of 2

utter

2 of 2

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 of utter in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The utter devastation of both Helene and Milton has created a breeding ground for political disillusionment and paranoia. Jessica Pishko, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2024 To watch baseball or any other sport is to confront the fundamental unpredictability of the universe, its utter refusal to bend to your wishes, no matter how fervent. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024
Verb
Governed by red-hot Mars and polarizing Pluto, Scorpios possess a presence that commands attention without uttering a single word. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Nary a word was uttered about public education on either the presidential or vice-presidential debate stages. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • The following month, Manuel posted a similarly mysterious Instagram photo of a woman hiding her face with her hands while posing behind sheer curtains.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024
  • The top was a sleeveless, button-down tunic with a sheer, wide hem embellished with sparkly beads, worn over a pair of ankle-length, wide-leg trousers in the same black silk fabric.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Years after dazzling in primetime by covering herself in fake blood, Gaga had graced the Oscars stage with utmost elegance, capable of evolving her talents and becoming a stately pop spokeswoman.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Collaborating with artists on her pieces is also of the utmost importance to her to serve as a voice for Africa.
    Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Tree limbs whispered in the night wind as if urging them on.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Luckily, just in time, Nick whispers the one word in the (British) English language that instantly turns back the clock.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The National Retail Federation says that import surcharges could soar to 50% for everything from jeans to couches.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
  • In August, the FBI reviewed credit card statements associated with Williams that showed payment at a parking near a Washington metro station, about a 10-minute ride from the Capitol area, that was made on Jan. 6, 2021, the statements of facts says.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Lucifer does both with aplomb, with Tom Ellis having the absolute time of his life as the Literal Devil, and Lauren German as the cop who is literally immune to his charms.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Content by this author: Out-of-Control Immigration With the U.S. economy soaring, few care that immigration to the United States is at its highest absolute levels.
    James O. Goldsborough, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Companies like Microsoft are among the few leading the charge by planning to remove all of the carbon the company has emitted directly or through electricity consumption since its founding in 1975, but many industries have yet to follow suit.
    Rob van Straten, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Methane, which has 86 times the warming impact of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, is largely emitted by fracking.
    Li Cohen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Donald Trump will speak at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena in his second visit to the state this month.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024
  • One way that Hyland envisions television being able to make an impact includes running domestic violence hotline numbers and calls to action after television episodes that speak to important issues such as domestic violence.
    Bruna Nessif, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 0.6-acre, complete with a pool for outdoor enjoyment.
    Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The Registrar of Voters said after election night, results will be updated daily at 5 p.m., except weekends, until the counting is complete.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near utter

Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on utter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!