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
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
Reiner had a Midas touch for years, but The Story of Us was the third of four clunkers in a row for him — and more proof that his once-formidable ability to tap into universal themes was starting to slip away.
—
Will Leitch, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2025
From powerful gaming consoles and mirrorless cameras to stylish ultrabooks and tablets, a pair of USB-C and Mini-HDMI connectors serves as a universal passport to your environment.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
In his interview with CNN, Metzger said those measures could include the government stepping in to dilute space corporations’ equity or creating some sort of universal basic income.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
For the Indian market, Jain says the adaptation taps into universal themes while reflecting familiar social dynamics.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Will Leitch, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2025
From powerful gaming consoles and mirrorless cameras to stylish ultrabooks and tablets, a pair of USB-C and Mini-HDMI connectors serves as a universal passport to your environment.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
In his interview with CNN, Metzger said those measures could include the government stepping in to dilute space corporations’ equity or creating some sort of universal basic income.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
For the Indian market, Jain says the adaptation taps into universal themes while reflecting familiar social dynamics.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
The sale includes discounts on travel essentials, including sleek luggage, winter-ready airport outfits, comfy walking shoes, and versatile travel accessories.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Calvin Klein Garnet Tote For those seeking a carryall that can handle daily work commutes, regular outings, and sport events for the kids, look no further than this versatile bag from Cavlin Klein.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The wind and current was such that, as the plane flew over us and dropped the bales of cocaine, the cargo would theoretically stay in the general area between where I was stationed in the Mako and where our mothership was anchored.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
-
In general, why should moist soil be a problem for plants if water is so crucial to their growth?—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Researchers will continue monitoring the southern resident population while advocating for comprehensive recovery efforts.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Unlike past efforts, China offers a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, from drones and radar to naval assets, that could form the technological basis of a shared force.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, drones are ubiquitous on the front lines.—
Joseph Nepomuceno,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Its floral and stripe prints have transcended fashion, and have become ubiquitous with Finland, ultimately becoming key symbols of the country's creative identity.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Road trips, hikes, and beach destinations with pet-friendly hotels can work well for adaptable animals.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
On the other hand, GPUs remain extremely adaptable, capable of managing both training and inference across diverse models.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Democrats are doing fairly well in the generic congressional ballot, which tests which party voters prefer to control Congress.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
First approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The home boasts panoramic mountain views and a dramatic two-story great room with a towering stone fireplace.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Their upstairs room full of antique tomes provides panoramic views of the historic statehouse and its statue of former governor William Goebel, who was assassinated on the grounds in 1900.—
Robin Roenker,
Southern Living,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The strike received widespread coverage in the corporate media.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
With widespread vaccination, which led to measles being declared eliminated from the US in 2000, SSPE has virtually disappeared in the US.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share