universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce universal (audio)
Definition of universalnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of universal Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 Bookings on Airbnb have always included cleaning fees, but there hadn’t been universal policies on what hosts could ask renters to complete. — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 War souvenirs are a largely universal occurrence, Dickey said, and World War II saw Americans returning home with plenty of mementos from Europe, including Nazi paraphernalia like pins and insignias. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Like all great fairy tales, the film’s period and setting are loose enough to grant its lessons a universal quality. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
  1. versatile
  2. general
  3. comprehensive
  4. ubiquitous
  5. adaptable
  6. generic
  7. global
  8. widespread
Adjective
  • Georgia’s Kirby Smart took notice of Columbia’s sophomore Swiss Army knife, a versatile prospect able to line up just about anywhere.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • As the season has gone on, though, she’s been her usual, dominant, versatile self.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • His dip in the polling this month seems less attributable to any new policy position or statements than to just a general gloom among California residents about the state’s direction, Baldassare said.
    — Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • That’s the case in Baltimore County as well — the administrative officer is paid a flat annual salary and does not receive general increases or cost-of-living adjustments.
    — Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • However, the database is far from comprehensive and represents about a fifth of Homeland Security's workforce, which staffs a little more than 220,000 people.
    — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The others asserted vested development rights and reliance on county representations, leaving only the comprehensive plan challenge, which asserted that commissioners wrongly rejected housing that complied with the county’s growth policies.
    — Sarah Kinbar, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • The companies that help agents verify reality and transact reliably stand to become more ubiquitous and indispensable.
    — Oliver Kharraz, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Video of the destruction is so ubiquitous online that the peninsula has become a global symbol of our collective struggles against the rising sea.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of ubiquitous
Adjective
  • The company describes Vectis as a survivable and adaptable aircraft for future combat requirements.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Scroll on to discover four adaptable outfit ideas for the wedding non-traditionalist.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • Brain games, crosswords and math puzzles are often promoted as ways to sharpen memory, but neurologists warn that generic exercises may not address the specific cause of mental fog.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In the longer term, the generic industry — which represents most prescriptions filled in the United States — will continue pushing for an overhaul of the patent system brand-name drugmakers use to maintain exclusivity over their products.
    — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • Many African policymakers responded that advanced economies built their wealth on coal and oil, adding that Africa accounts for less than 4% of global carbon emissions.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Skip to main content Find hotels As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of global
Adjective
  • That sentiment is even stronger now than in 2022, when Lula benefited from widespread opposition to Jair Bolsonaro after a presidency marked by controversy over his government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Together, these approaches transformed the fight against a disease that once caused widespread paralysis and outbreaks, particularly among children.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity
universal
universally
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Cite this Entry

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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