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
Oven drawers are not universal storage because residual heat can harm items or create safety risks.
—
Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Others counter that some female action icons in the past have universal acceptance, like Sigourney Weaver in Aliens and Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
The toilet, known officially as the universal waste management system, is located inside a stall just like in a public restroom on Earth, according to NASA.
—Bymary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
In the paper, Zhavoronkov and his co-authors define healthspan as years lived free of major disease, but there is no universal definition for the concept.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Others counter that some female action icons in the past have universal acceptance, like Sigourney Weaver in Aliens and Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
The toilet, known officially as the universal waste management system, is located inside a stall just like in a public restroom on Earth, according to NASA.
—Bymary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
In the paper, Zhavoronkov and his co-authors define healthspan as years lived free of major disease, but there is no universal definition for the concept.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
The crumbling industrial scenery by Riccardo Hernández is visually stunning and versatile, and it’s gorgeously illuminated by lighting designer Robert Wierzel.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Green is a surprisingly versatile color.—
Jana Ackermann,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As part of a two-question ballot measure, the Hickman Mills School District is asking voters to approve a general obligation bond to pay down the district’s debt.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
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But there is some risk the city will need to increase its general fund contribution in the new fiscal year because there are expected to be cuts to state funding.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Routes to reception and the concierge are also accessible, and hotel staffers receive comprehensive training on the requirements of the ADA and Human Rights Code.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
AcePDF Converter & Editor provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing PDF documents without requiring multiple apps.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The dog is one of the two most ubiquitous and most popular domestic animals in the world (the cat is the other).—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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Even Grignon is surprised at how ubiquitous the iPhone has become.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Think evolution, not reinvention for a modern matte finish that feels more dimensional, skin-like, and adaptable to different coverage preferences.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2026
-
According to Mačiulis, the key lessons from Greenland will centre on designing systems adaptable to different climates and robust enough to operate across a wide range of conditions — knowledge that will directly inform the next generation of optical ground stations.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Foundayo is a small molecule whereas Zepbound and Wegovy are peptides, which require more intensive manufacturing processes, a barrier Ricks thinks will hinder generic versions of Wegovy that have recently launched in some other countries, including India.—
Angelica Peebles,Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2026
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Without that, intelligence — human or artificial — becomes generic.—
Jason Dressel,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
About 20% of the world's oil flows throw the strait, and Iran's ability to block the flow of tankers has roiled the global economy, sending oil prices soaring.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Organizing a triennial today means navigating the tension between the local and the global amid a rapidly shifting world order.—
Wassan Al-Khudhairi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Hours earlier, Israeli police had blocked the top Catholic leader in Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, drawing widespread criticism from Western leaders and diplomats.—
Peter Weber,
TheWeek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Species like Aspergillus thrive in warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions, and widespread use of azole compounds in agriculture and medicine is driving drug resistance.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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