Synonyms of universal

universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl 

1

as in versatile

able to do many different kinds of things

a universal wrench

Synonyms & Similar Words

• versatile
• adaptable
• protean
• skilled
• adept
• experienced
• skillful
• general-purpose
• multipurpose
• flexible
• expert
• adjustable
• ace
• able
• all-around
• variable
• proficient
• modifiable
• plastic
• elastic
• mixed-use
• changeable
• well-rounded
• pliant
• malleable
• alterable
• fluid
• pliable
• masterful
• supple

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• amateur
• inexperienced

2

as in general

belonging or relating to the whole

mankind's universal need for affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

• general
• generic
• overall
• common
• global
• broad
• blanket
• wide
• widespread
• across-the-board
• collective
• comprehensive
• sweeping
• broad-brush
• extensive
• overarching
• wholesale
• pervasive
• ubiquitous
• all-embracing
• worldwide
• planetary
• complete
• aggregate
• full
• inclusionary
• plenary
• broad-gauge
• broadscale

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• particular
• individual
• component
• partial
• local
• regional
• fragmentary
• divisional
• constituent
• localized
• sectional
• cross-sectional

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

• comprehensive
• global
• panoramic
• full
• inclusive
• extensive
• complete
• general
• thorough
• omnibus
• all-inclusive
• encyclopedic
• exhaustive
• all-embracing
• compendious
• vast
• broad
• embracive
• cyclopedic
• broad-gauge
• cover-all
• all-in
• large
• cosmic
• wide
• in-depth
• overall
• catholic
• inclusionary
• sweeping
• far-reaching
• wide-ranging
• far
• indiscriminate
• encyclical
• blanket
• unrestricted
• panoptic
• grand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• specialized
• narrow
• restricted
• specific
• exact
• individual
• precise
• circumscribed
• singular
• incomplete
• patchy
• sketchy

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

• ubiquitous
• widespread
• unlimited
• endless
• omnipresent
• infinite
• wall-to-wall
• boundless
• limitless
• extensive
• immeasurable
• fathomless
• measureless
• unbounded
• illimitable
• unfathomable
• indefinite
• horizonless
• immensurable
• far-flung

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• finite
• confined
• narrow
• restricted
• circumscribed
• bounded
• measured

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of universal

With guests that range from Jennifer Lopez and Ethan Hawke to Rahma’s New Yorker friends who have yet to crack the mainstream, the show illustrates how strong opinions and a willingness to defend them are universal human traits. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Nixon recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America, and her platform includes Medicare for all, universal childcare and raising the federal minimum wage to $25. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Florida’s Catholic schools have boomed since Florida implemented a universal school voucher program. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

The precipitous decline can be attributed to multiple factors—including, happily, the expansion of universal pre-K in some states. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026