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
According to Gallino, the Zara case study is less an argument about technology generating universal benefits to retailers, but rather an example of a company doing the research and iterating a technology’s use to fit its specific needs.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 May 2026
For one, sustainability is difficult to define — and there isn't a universal set of standards.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
Mirabeau’s words in support of universal equality were addressed to the plantation owners in France’s overseas colonies who had fought vigorously to be allowed to have deputies in the National Assembly.
—Jeremy D. Popkin, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
Standing, the British labor economist, is best known for his advocacy around universal basic income and calling for governments to play a more robust role guaranteeing citizens financial security.
—Justin Worland, Time, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 May 2026
For one, sustainability is difficult to define — and there isn't a universal set of standards.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
Mirabeau’s words in support of universal equality were addressed to the plantation owners in France’s overseas colonies who had fought vigorously to be allowed to have deputies in the National Assembly.
—Jeremy D. Popkin, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
Standing, the British labor economist, is best known for his advocacy around universal basic income and calling for governments to play a more robust role guaranteeing citizens financial security.
—Justin Worland, Time, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner was the starting shortstop in Saturday’s lineup, with rookie infielder Pedro Ramírez covering second base, underlining the potential options for a club with several versatile defenders.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
7 June 2026
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He's considered one of the planet’s most versatile watermen, with accolades that include eight-time stand-up paddle world champion, hydrofoil pioneer, and big-wave master.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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That's our mission now is to help other DIYers learn how to do more on their project, from general contracting all the way through some of the actual construction elements.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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There are chances to take a deep dive into various history or literature classes beyond general education requirements, or for students to discover their passions or potential career pathways, Ellman said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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Researchers at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) teamed up with their counterparts at John Hopkins University to develop a comprehensive framework to model quantum noise for superconducting quantum processors.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
9 June 2026
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Rocket Money is a comprehensive personal finance app that aims to provide a 360-degree view of your financial health.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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In the final weeks of the campaign, Pratt became ubiquitous in the national media.—
National Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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This type of signage became so ubiquitous and so grotesquely huge across the city as businesses advertised and competed for visual attention that they were forcefully phased out by the government in the 2010s and replaced by Korean letters tastefully cut out to be lit from within instead.—
Anton Hur,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Blue Star 'Storm Cloud' is a beautiful and adaptable long-lasting perennial with blooms in the spring.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
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But critics of offering the shorter course of study say traditional four-year programs expose students to a broader range of educational experiences, which helps foster their critical thinking skills and produces graduates who are more adaptable to the ever-changing professional world.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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This is a masterpiece of modernist Chinese architecture and design from China’s first Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu whose work is a poetic alternative to the country’s generic glass and steel highrises.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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In 2024, forensic experts submitted a DNA sample from the remains for specialized testing, which aided in generating a generic profile and identifying possible relatives.—
Kiara Moore,
The Washington Examiner,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Yes, there are 104 games, but some will be a hard sell — not just to a global television audience but to locals who might wonder why, for example, Jordan vs Algeria in San Francisco is worth even the lowest admission price of $140.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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The World Cup typically takes over its host country and turns it into FIFA’s idealized state for the four- or five-week tournament, becoming a unifying global celebration of sport.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Ecology remained characteristic of her approach, but Carson now broadened her aims to encompass a mobilization of public opinion equal to the task of addressing the widespread harms of chemical pesticides in everyday life and agricultural ecosystems alike.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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But while fully solid-state batteries remain years away from widespread adoption, a transitional technology is beginning to reach the market.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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