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 country has universal health care for its citizens, meaning the cost of drugs and procedures poses less of a burden for people seeking care.
—
Joseph Choi, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
The push for the bus pilot also comes after Hochul dedicated state money to funding a version of Mamdani’s promise of universal child care, another of the mayor’s core campaign promises.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
General Daily Insight for February 10, 2026 Acts of service are a universal love language at present.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Oh, and Tools for Humanity is also a crypto purveyor that flirted with, and then ditched, the idea of providing a universal basic income.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Joseph Choi, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
The push for the bus pilot also comes after Hochul dedicated state money to funding a version of Mamdani’s promise of universal child care, another of the mayor’s core campaign promises.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
General Daily Insight for February 10, 2026 Acts of service are a universal love language at present.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Oh, and Tools for Humanity is also a crypto purveyor that flirted with, and then ditched, the idea of providing a universal basic income.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
Rice middlins is a versatile dish with a hearty texture and nutty flavor.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
What’s more, embroidered bedding is versatile for a variety of bedroom styles.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Though framed as a request for information, Levine’s letter signals that Florida’s campaign against accrediting bodies — once focused on general university oversight — is expanding into medicine, one of the most tightly regulated sectors of higher education.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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The second would be how friendly people are along King Drive in general.—
Kynala Phillips,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Campillo and other critics call that shift a bait-and-switch, and Campillo’s proposal seeks to prevent a repeat by requiring any ballot measure that could create a new fee — or raise an existing one — to undergo a comprehensive analysis long before voters weigh in.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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During the course of 19 negotiating sessions since September, the Guild has offered the staff union comprehensive proposals with numerous union protections and improvements to compensation and working conditions.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The galaxies that are so familiar and ubiquitous in our Universe today will die, at least in a sense, as well.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Elevated interest rates in the economic terrain of recent years have been ubiquitous, with savers easily able to earn rates of 4%, 5% or even 6% and 7% on certificate of deposit (CD), high-yield savings and money market accounts.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The adaptable creatures thrive in urban and rural environments, and their range has expanded dramatically since 1900 — unlike other North American apex predators like wolves and bears, creatures with which humans have also struggled to share space with.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
17 Feb. 2026
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The same principles can be used by engineers to develop technical systems that are robust, efficient and adaptable – just like biological solutions often are.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Each addresses a specific regional risk that generic advice misses.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Harsh Conditions Left Bare Patches Winter kill is a generic term for damage to lawns from exposure to harsh conditions.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For a rookie band, the controversies illustrate how quickly global fandom can become both a platform and a pressure point.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The new hotel, proposed as a joint venture between Global Hospitality Investment Group (GHIG) and a global investment management firm, would add 438 guest rooms to the existing Aloft and Element Boston Seaport hotels across from the Center.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Although our planet’s oxygen levels have fluctuated wildly over the past few hundred million years — since the widespread development of plant and animal life — changes were gradual and oxygen levels were much lower during most of Earth’s history.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Feb. 2026
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The Justice Department concluded at the time there simply was not evidence of widespread fraud that would merit a challenge to the election.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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