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universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce universal (audio)
Definition of universalnext
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

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 universal Why adjust health-care costs for income if the point is to be universal? — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 There is no universal score that will earn approval for a personal loan. — Dan Avery,brett Holzhauer, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 Tovar noted that this openness carries a cost, since the country provides universal free education and social security, which, by ruling of the country’s Supreme Court extends to irregular migrants as well. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 Plus, Arditi adds, hardwood is generally seen as a suitable universal pick to others, too. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
  1. versatile
  2. general
  3. comprehensive
  4. ubiquitous
  5. adaptable
  6. generic
  7. global
  8. widespread
Adjective
  • These olive green suede loafers are so dreamy for the season, and offer a pop of color while still looking relatively muted and versatile.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The yogurt also helps to temper the heat from smoky-spicy gochujang, the assertive and versatile Korean hot pepper paste.
    — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • Kyle Gardner, who has served as Wild Child’s general manager for more than a year and took over as Drastic Measures’ general manager following the staff exodus, said Sanders has not worked at the bars or been around for service since the party.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
  • De facto general manager Duke Tobin defended his belief in them after the draft.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • The Athletic’s out today with what may be the most comprehensive look to date on college football roster spending.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Longer life, lower overhead The system’s architecture reduces its footprint by 30%, according to the company, while its 24-hour comprehensive efficiency exceeds 88%.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • As a ubiquitous fixture across the country, the chain provides a familiar, predictable environment that makes millions of members feel instantly at home.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
  • There was nothing that had escaped being stamped with the Festival’s ubiquitous emblem–sweets, cigarettes, perfume, even sandals–Specially designed to keep you cool and smartly shod for fun-loving Festival walking!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of ubiquitous
Adjective
  • The challenge is that modernization is not simply about adding more technology, but is about creating an operation that is more adaptable, more visible and ultimately easier for people to manage.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than a basic cell update, the system is a adaptable modular architecture that integrates into existing vehicle lines.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • Customers no longer receive generic, irritating blasts, instead experiencing highly contextual, proactive and genuinely helpful brand interactions that adapt to their real-time needs.
    — Pratik Bhadra, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Also at play are generic and biosimilar products that have come onto the market, offering competition that drives down the prices of expensive brand-name and biologic drugs.
    — Melissa Goldin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • Warsh noted that other central banks are hiking interest rates in response to global turmoil and higher gas prices.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Anthropic head outlined several levels of agreement that global leaders could sign off on.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of global
Adjective
  • There has been a widespread opinion that football has become too rigid and regimented in recent seasons, but Luis Enrique’s PSG are one of the few antidotes to that.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Millions of people live in or near bear habitat across the Rockies, where widespread drought has reduced supplies of nuts, berries and plants that bears eat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity
universal
universally
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on universal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universal

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