Synonyms of universal

universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl 

1

as in versatile

able to do many different kinds of things

a universal wrench

Synonyms & Similar Words

• versatile
• adaptable
• protean
• skilled
• adept
• experienced
• skillful
• general-purpose
• multipurpose
• flexible
• expert
• adjustable
• ace
• able
• all-around
• variable
• proficient
• modifiable
• plastic
• elastic
• mixed-use
• changeable
• well-rounded
• pliant
• malleable
• alterable
• fluid
• pliable
• masterful
• supple

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• amateur
• inexperienced

2

as in general

belonging or relating to the whole

mankind's universal need for affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

• general
• generic
• overall
• common
• global
• broad
• blanket
• wide
• widespread
• across-the-board
• collective
• comprehensive
• sweeping
• broad-brush
• extensive
• overarching
• wholesale
• pervasive
• ubiquitous
• all-embracing
• worldwide
• planetary
• complete
• aggregate
• full
• inclusionary
• plenary
• broad-gauge
• broadscale

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• particular
• individual
• component
• partial
• local
• regional
• fragmentary
• divisional
• constituent
• localized
• sectional
• cross-sectional

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

• comprehensive
• global
• panoramic
• full
• inclusive
• extensive
• complete
• general
• thorough
• omnibus
• all-inclusive
• encyclopedic
• exhaustive
• all-embracing
• compendious
• vast
• broad
• embracive
• cyclopedic
• broad-gauge
• cover-all
• all-in
• large
• cosmic
• wide
• in-depth
• overall
• catholic
• inclusionary
• sweeping
• far-reaching
• wide-ranging
• far
• indiscriminate
• encyclical
• blanket
• unrestricted
• panoptic
• grand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• specialized
• narrow
• restricted
• specific
• exact
• individual
• precise
• circumscribed
• singular
• incomplete
• patchy
• sketchy

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

• ubiquitous
• widespread
• unlimited
• endless
• omnipresent
• infinite
• wall-to-wall
• boundless
• limitless
• extensive
• immeasurable
• fathomless
• measureless
• unbounded
• illimitable
• unfathomable
• indefinite
• horizonless
• immensurable
• far-flung

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• finite
• confined
• narrow
• restricted
• circumscribed
• bounded
• measured

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of universal

What if all of these—and more—could be combined into a single, universal vaccine? — Berly McCoy, NPR, 27 July 2026

In its 40th year, the purpose of the outdoor retreat is for youth to reflect on universal values including nonviolence, respect, fearlessness, honesty, equanimity and self-reliance as exemplified by Indian freedom leader Mahatma Gandhi. — Savita Patel, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Nor have systems of universal education for all social classes in all localities ever sprung up without a political process. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026

Centrists have said no to bigger government, from public renewable energy to universal social programs. — Ryder Kessler, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026