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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 of utter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
By Kent Page Students are finding their way back to the safety and security of the classroom In the face of enormous violence, kidnappings and utter chaos in Haiti, there is the promise of a better tomorrow. Unicef Usa, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 Farrow, presenting in the early scenes as an utter naif, discovers the pleasures of running cons; LuPone, who shows up a hellion, develops a sensitivity and nurturing spirit to the lost soul who’s provided her character a home. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024
Verb
That same year, Oakland Athletics outfielder Matt Joyce was suspended for two games after uttering a slur at a fan. Abby Monteil, Them, 13 Aug. 2024 An uncanny ability to speak volumes without uttering a single word. Lola Ogunnaike, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near utter

Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on utter

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