utterly

adverb

ut·​ter·​ly ˈə-tər-lē 

: to an absolute or extreme degree : to the full extent : in an utter manner : absolutely, entirely, totally

Just when you're expecting to hear something trite or ordinary, Rich invents a tasty, utterly charming piece of ear candy.

—Carol Cooper

Whatever this stuff is, it comprises as much as 90% of the mass of the universe. It is also utterly invisible.

—M. Mitchell Waldrop

… a fascinating read, despite the fact that its unique tone is utterly lost in translation.

—Ian Buruma

Cut off utterly from her past, but socially unacceptable in this new world, Irene chooses the same refuge that's worked for her as a child: poetry.

—Sue Miller

Synonyms of utterly

• completely
• totally
• quite
• fully
• wholly
• perfectly
• all
• thoroughly
• entirely
• absolutely
• fast
• even

Examples of utterly in a Sentence

we are in fact utterly out of ideas

was utterly overwhelmed by the demands on her time

Recent Examples on the Web

The same pair of pants can look utterly relaxed on a Sunday, then tackle a professional dress code come Monday morning. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026

His dishes are unconventional, creative, and utterly decadent, so leave the diet at the door and prepare to indulge your inner gourmand. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Havertz looked utterly forlorn, visibly distressed to pick up yet another injury after a year decimated by two serious surgeries and long spells of rehabilitation. —Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Endling becomes a story about women scrambling to save themselves, their families and their country—while also growing into a joyful and astonishing celebration of the novel itself, a literary form given new life and urgency by this groundbreaking, utterly unique work. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above