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
Product developers should embrace voice-first, universal design principles to re-imagine apps, features and services previously relegated to smartphones or smartwatches.
—
Mark Francis, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Despite overly detailed text, this highly personal account reveals the universal nature of such fundamentals as family and land ownership.
—Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 18 June 2025
For many TikTok viewers, the video struck a universal chord of humor.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
That’s bad for manufacturers, who no longer have a universal benchmark for excellence for their products.
—Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Mark Francis, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Despite overly detailed text, this highly personal account reveals the universal nature of such fundamentals as family and land ownership.
—Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 18 June 2025
For many TikTok viewers, the video struck a universal chord of humor.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
That’s bad for manufacturers, who no longer have a universal benchmark for excellence for their products.
—Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
The 6-9 forward is a McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade player of the year for Virginia with versatile skills.—
Aaron Beard,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
-
Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle are two of the clubs credited with an interest in signing Acheampong, the versatile defender who made 12 first-team appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season and started their 3-0 win over ES Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The studio is banking on the rapidly growing global anime fandom, particularly in the U.S., where enthusiasm spans general audiences, Hollywood creators, celebrities and businesses.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 July 2025
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The new moon in your sign on January 29 will bring forward a fresh start in your finances as well as your life in general.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
By The New York Times The overhaul was a far cry from the comprehensive review to evaluate aid programs and realign them with U.S. foreign policy that Mr. Trump promised on his first day in office.—
Amy Schoenfeld Walker,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, U.S., and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.—
Aamer Madhani,
Christian Science Monitor,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Beyond these ubiquitous technologies, the quieter rise of connected devices unfolded.—
Thomas Ryd,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Though the United States' EV adoption process may be sluggish compared to other countries, electric vehicles have become ubiquitous in some of the largest cities in America like Los Angeles and San Francisco.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Be adaptable, as your plans with friends and loved ones may change on a whim.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
24 June 2025
-
Native Americans also believed spiderwort to be a sign of strength and endurance, possibly because the plant is adaptable to different conditions, though not in my yard.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Fill your banner with generic corporate speak and watch high-ticket buyers scroll past.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
The chart of accounts should be customized to reflect your business’s unique needs and operations, rather than relying on generic categories.—
Mia Taylor,
CNBC,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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For a glimpse into the town's past, climb the 199 steps to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse (the panoramic views are the icing on the cake) or wander the grounds of Congress Hall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
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The new location has a panoramic harbor view that includes Baby Beach, the West Basin with its docks, slips and boaters, the jetty and all the comings and goings at the harbor’s entrance.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The livelihoods of creatives are under pressure from the rapid advance of AI technology and its widespread adoption, with users of tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and many others able to generate images, videos and artwork using simple prompts at low cost.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
-
Despite the Trump administration's assertions on Friday, the U.S. government has described Haiti as a country with deep political instability and plagued by gang violence and widespread poverty.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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