Synonyms of utter

utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər 

1

as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions

our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sheer
• absolute
• complete
• unconditional
• pure
• total
• simple
• outright
• definite
• unmitigated
• damn
• damned
• perfect
• very
• real
• profound
• unadulterated
• downright
• endless
• consummate
• unqualified
• deadly
• thoroughgoing
• dreadful
• arrant
• categorical
• huge
• blank
• thorough
• crashing
• stark
• constant
• out-and-out
• flat-out
• plumb
• rank
• unalloyed
• all-out
• categoric
• regular
• straight-out
• clean
• genuine
• perpetual
• fair
• eternal
• veritable
• dead
• blooming
• horrible
• flat
• bodacious
• terrible
• stone
• extreme
• unremitting
• undying
• authentic
• hopeless
• classic
• supreme
• unrestricted
• main
• habitual
• extraordinary
• confirmed
• inveterate
• superlative
• terrific
• frightful
• surpassing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertain
• doubtful
• questionable
• qualified
• restricted
• dubious
• equivocal

2

as in utmost

of the highest degree

spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utmost
• greatest
• maximum
• full
• top
• high
• topmost
• heightened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• minimum
• slightest
• minimal
• lowest
• low
• littlest
• lessened

utter

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to whisper

to send forth using the vocal cords

she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• whisper
• emit
• squeak
• deliver
• sob
• stutter
• exclaim
• moan
• whimper
• gasp
• groan
• mouth
• stammer
• snarl
• sputter
• squeal
• ejaculate
• squawk
• hoot
• pant
• lip
• blurt (out)
• heave
• quaver
• yowl

2

as in to say

to express (a thought or emotion) in words

never uttered a single comment at the meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• say
• speak
• tell
• talk
• discuss
• share
• state
• articulate
• verbalize
• enunciate
• vocalize
• put
• bring out
• give
• shout
• pass
• announce
• put into words
• voice
• proclaim
• publish
• whisper
• blurt
• word
• sound
• declare
• look
• post
• affirm
• phrase
• gasp
• mouth
• avow
• promulgate
• air
• get off
• assert
• murmur
• vent
• allege
• advertise
• ventilate
• blabber
• breathe
• aver
• broadcast
• formulate
• lip
• publicize
• comment
• blaze
• spout
• remark
• chirp
• snarl
• bolt
• splutter
• shoot
• avouch
• couch
• clothe
• rip (out)
• purr
• drawl
• formulize
• pipe up (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• stifle

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of utter

Adjective

As surveillance expert Harry Caul, Hackman managed to convey all of the character’s paranoia, brilliance and utter isolation with little dialogue. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025

To the government’s utter embarrassment, their own project upstream has stalled for years. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Verb

Gene Hackman could utter just four simple words, and make a great film moment. —Scott Simon, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025

Former Presidents Clinton, Obama, Biden and George W. Bush have barely uttered a word about President Trump’s actions a month into his second term, to the dismay of Democratic critics who say their voices are badly needed. —Amie Parnes, The Hill, 20 Feb. 2025