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
Unlike his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose near-universal popularity defined an era, Charles has had a more uneven public reception over decades as heir and since his ascension to the throne in 2022.
—
Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
New Mexico and New York are actively working to provide universal child care for their residents.
—Pamela Campos, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
The top issues on Villegas’ website are Medicare for all, universal childcare and family leave, as well as holding corporate polluters accountable and ending corporate ownership of single-family homes.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Again, although its proponents would disagree, if the relation is not universal, there’s no reason to think it can be applied to a system like the Bullet Cluster to explain what’s observed.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
New Mexico and New York are actively working to provide universal child care for their residents.
—Pamela Campos, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
The top issues on Villegas’ website are Medicare for all, universal childcare and family leave, as well as holding corporate polluters accountable and ending corporate ownership of single-family homes.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Again, although its proponents would disagree, if the relation is not universal, there’s no reason to think it can be applied to a system like the Bullet Cluster to explain what’s observed.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
The indigo colorway is deep and versatile enough to go from the golf course to dinner without a change of scene.—
Amanda Eyre Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
-
The gyuto was born when Western culinary influences became de rigeur, and chefs needed a more versatile blade shape, adept at push cuts and pull-through slicing, with a slight curve that allowed some light chopping.—
Jesse Raub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Much like the demonstrations two decades ago, organizers on Friday also called for a general boycott — no school, no work, no shopping — in an effort to demand that the country put workers above billionaires by taxing the rich.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
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The one issue for Banchero, and the Magic in general, was free-throw shooting.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defense system are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
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With overwhelming bipartisan support, Indiana enacted one of the most comprehensive state-level national security laws in the country.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Yet across prewar co-ops and walk-ups that haven’t seen a renovation since Ed Koch was mayor, the stainless steel panel listing each unit next to a tiny, round button remains ubiquitous.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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In this one, the book advance probably immunizes Vance from charges and temptations of Washington’s ubiquitous graft.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ubiquitous yet endlessly adaptable, the money plant integrates effortlessly into indoor settings while contributing to gentle transpiration.—
Nolan Lewis,
Architectural Digest,
27 Apr. 2026
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However, deer are adaptable creatures and often get used to the tricks put in their path, eventually ignoring attempts to deter them, Walke says.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While tools for setting targets and identifying generic solutions are widely available, Chauhan added, what’s missing is a comparative prioritization tool capable of translating broad ambitions into facility-specific financial roadmaps.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
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When using the sites, don’t just focus on the generic value of your vehicle, but look at what it’s been selling recently in your area.—
Danny Smith,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Brent crude, the global standard, was trading at $116, up 4% for the day, in the morning.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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That abandonment is even more damaging in a country like Cuba, which has run a global propaganda campaign based on its social achievements.—
Sarah Moreno
Updated April 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the earliest examples of citizen journalism took place before the widespread use of the Internet.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
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Social media posts indicated a widespread skepticism about the school board’s request, and the finance board Tuesday night endorsed cutting the education increase by $125,000.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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