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
The Hidden Hurdles of Integrated Campaigns Regardless of the model, brands face universal challenges when running 360 campaigns.
—
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
That universal message finds a powerful home at the Freedom Tower.
—Brian Siegal, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Trump opposes the use of universal mail-in balloting because of its susceptibility to fraud, including ballot harvesting and non-citizens voting.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
All calls will be checked by a framework that utilizes the 12 Hawk-Eye cameras that are universal to all MLB parks.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
That universal message finds a powerful home at the Freedom Tower.
—Brian Siegal, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Trump opposes the use of universal mail-in balloting because of its susceptibility to fraud, including ballot harvesting and non-citizens voting.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
All calls will be checked by a framework that utilizes the 12 Hawk-Eye cameras that are universal to all MLB parks.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 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
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He was held at the Martin County Jail, though not with the general population.—
Melissa Gaffney,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The all-volunteer Planning Commission considers matters related to land-use planning and development, implements the city’s general plan, reviews development applications and serves as an intermediary between the public and the City Council.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 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
-
Cheap, ubiquitous and always on, cameras are uniquely useful targets.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Netflix became ubiquitous as a subscription product, while YouTube became the go-to platform for younger (and then increasingly older) viewing habits.—
Andrew Marchand,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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The announcement comes as venture dollars have largely chased more generic AI plays, but as investors have increasingly begun to fund AI enabled health tech.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Minoxidil is available as Rogaine or Theroxidil, or in generic form.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The network, which coordinates security for Jewish communities in North America, hosted the national security briefing ahead of Passover and amid rising global tensions.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Kenya’s flower industry is losing millions of dollars every month as the conflict in the Middle East upends global commerce.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
26 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.
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