1
as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things
a universal wrench
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
mankind's universal need for affection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points
the genius of Leonardo da Vinci was universal: he was an artist, an architect, an engineer, and a scientist, among other things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ubiquitous
present in all places and at all times
after the home team won the national championship, throughout the city a sense of pride was as universal as the air
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of universal
Mexico has only one gun store, universal background checks and issues fewer than 50 gun permits a year, according to filings.
—
Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Released in 1984, the Hermès Birkin has become a universal status symbol.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
Three realtors talk the pros and cons of unexpected publicity bumps from popular social media posts
By Katherine McLaughlin
Culture + Lifestyle
Zebra Print Is Living in My Head Rent-Free
Could this be the universal call to unleash our wild sides?
—Loredana Matute, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025
The comparison here is again restricted to the iPhone, with the natural advantages of an Apple modem designed for one single phone rather than Qualcomm’s universal modem with its extra compatibility on a per-manufacturer basis.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Released in 1984, the Hermès Birkin has become a universal status symbol.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
Three realtors talk the pros and cons of unexpected publicity bumps from popular social media posts
By Katherine McLaughlin
Culture + Lifestyle
Zebra Print Is Living in My Head Rent-Free
Could this be the universal call to unleash our wild sides?
—Loredana Matute, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025
The comparison here is again restricted to the iPhone, with the natural advantages of an Apple modem designed for one single phone rather than Qualcomm’s universal modem with its extra compatibility on a per-manufacturer basis.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
Nine West Renold Loafers Loafers have made the rounds in Hollywood recently; the versatile style has popped up in looks from Demi Moore, Helen Mirren, and Taylor Swift, to name a few.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
His versatile career cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.—
Megan Cartwright,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The Mavericks have endured a number of injuries to their roster, and the loss of Dončić is something no one saw coming due to the ownership and general manager Nico Harrison.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
-
These three new books explore such decelerations, and seek to move from urbanism toward a more general political philosophy.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The first-of-its-kind initiative provides eligible WTA players with the financial support and comprehensive resources to start or expand their families, according to the tennis body.—
Aleks Klosok,
CNN,
6 Mar. 2025
-
That's in part because Medicare, which is available to people who are 65 or older, provides enrollees with relatively comprehensive coverage.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Skype, the pioneering and once ubiquitous free video calling service, will be history come May.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
White floral notes are endlessly adaptable, but perfumer Cécile Matton went the warm route by adding cashmeran, sandalwood, and Madagascan vanilla at the base.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Nearly every restaurant relied on these adaptable sources of light—especially for use in DIY dining sheds where electrical wiring was a no-no.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appétit,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As a job seeker, understanding what makes recruiters and hiring managers cringe could mean the difference between a job offer and a generic rejection email.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Generic Amazon Table Lamp KDG Cordless Table Lamp $30 $20 Amazon This generic lamp looks like a generic copy of the Poldina sold under a range of names like La Luz and KDG.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appétit,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Photo : Bell Flight Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Out of this group, Bell’s five-seat 505 Jet Ranger X is for buyers who want all the bells and whistles, including 99 cubic feet of interior space and raised rear seats that allow everyone to enjoy the panoramic view.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2025
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Once again, the Four Seasons is the official hotel partner of the Emmy-winning HBO show and the Four Seasons Koh Samui features villas with private pools and panoramic ocean views.—
Passport by ForbesLife,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The case has drawn widespread attention, raising concerns about the school’s handling of the situation and the broader issue of bullying tied to immigration under Donald Trump’s presidency.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN,
27 Feb. 2025
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Early in the pandemic, Janet Woodcock, then the head of the FDA’s drug center, reportedly sprang into action to prevent widespread distribution of the unproven COVID treatment hydroxychloroquine over the orders of top Trump officials.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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