always used before a noun
: complete and total
It's hard to believe that we were utter strangers just a few days ago.
The situation descended into utter chaos.
The children displayed an utter lack of interest in the performance.
The movie was utter garbage.
That argument is utter nonsense.
The wedding was a complete and utter [=absolute, total] disaster.
utters; uttered; uttering
1
: to make (a particular sound)
She uttered a cry of pleasure/pain.
2
: to say (something)
He can hardly utter a sentence without swearing.
Don't utter a word [=say anything] about this to anyone.
Cite this Entry
“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/utter. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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