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
Of course, the awakening is not universal.
—
Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
Germany allows people with serious autoimmune conditions to receive the treatment on the basis of compassionate use, and covers it through the country’s universal health-care system.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Who Should Avoid Back Sleeping This isn’t a universal fix.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
Democracy is strengthening worldwide, according to a leading index, but the improvement is far from universal.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
Germany allows people with serious autoimmune conditions to receive the treatment on the basis of compassionate use, and covers it through the country’s universal health-care system.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Who Should Avoid Back Sleeping This isn’t a universal fix.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
Democracy is strengthening worldwide, according to a leading index, but the improvement is far from universal.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
Best Top Deals Loft’s top selection is full of breezy blouses, everyday basics, and versatile layering pieces that’ll serve you on the ground and in the sky.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
-
But as versatile as lint rollers are, they’re not suited for every surface.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
So, in a general process of professionalization that changed the way that music was experienced, raising standards while widening the gap between expert and amateur, the mandolin fell out of fashion.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Denise Lieberman, director and general counsel for the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, an organization that champions accessible elections, said the signs serve no purpose, since they’re tied to eligibility, which would be vetted by election officials before a ballot is cast.—
Jack Harvel
April 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The measure, which is backed by two Native American tribes, calls for a comprehensive study on the feasibility of bringing back the golden bears that festoon the state’s flag.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The commission then took up the comprehensive plan change request for a vote, but even though Hoefs made a motion to recommend approval, the other commissioners did not second it.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Swipe it through the hummus, balanced in tahini and lemon, and mulchy muhammara twanging with pomegranate molasses, and casik, the Turkish variation of the region’s ubiquitous herbed yogurt and cucumber dip.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
These ubiquitous quick-service, genre-defying restaurants are capturing the attention of global travelers.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The lesson of history, in some sense, is that being adaptable, and having curiosity and a willingness to try out new technologies and new tools, that’s where young people have have flourished the most in the past.—
Matthew Heimer,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The best leaders build adaptable, curious people who love learning.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Estrogen patches are generic medicines with low profit margins, providing manufacturers few incentives to invest quickly in new production lines or facilities that can take years to build.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Arthur is a creepy dude, a generic-looking cellphone store employee with an incomprehensible plan.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Part of that is a global backlash against any party in power.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Burelli also warned the policy shift could transform Venezuela into a laundering hub for illicit gold from across the Amazon basin, with miners from Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and Suriname channeling production through Venezuelan networks before reaching global buyers.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Now, though, with the widespread circulation of magic manuals, grimoires, and related compendia—with the recording, on paper, of words, spells, histories, stories—witchcraft has taken an irreversible step into the exoteric realm.—
Kristen Roupenian,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
At a time of widespread angst over runaway ticket prices, merely encountering something novel at a concert isn’t enough for many to justify the cost of getting in the door, particularly when superstars like Taylor Swift and SZA are on the road showing that innovation and value can coexist.—
Vanessa Franko,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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