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

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 If so, what are your thoughts on mechanics and repair shops (even those who specialize in Hondas) that use universal coolants? — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 The broader significance is that robotics may not ultimately converge on one universal machine. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 Like the theosophists, these early Druids often claimed to be practicing forms of an ancient, universal wisdom tradition and did not explicitly identify as Pagan. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 The universal love of a good vacation may not fully explain it. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 13 Aug. 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
  • There are concerns around selling the versatile Spence but new signing Andy Robertson will provide competition at left-back for Destiny Udogie, while Archie Gray can cover Pedro Porro on the opposite side.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With so many versatile applications, chances are there’s a use for peppermint oil in your household.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • But it was decided this would not happen following a meeting between Mourinho, Real Madrid’s general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, head of scouting Juni Calafat and Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes at the Santo Mauro Hotel in central Madrid.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The group said the average consumer spend for parts at a dealer was $261, versus $275 at a general repair shop.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • Today, some are convincing enough to fool experts, helped along by a market where documentation is scarce and comprehensive catalogs and archives are rare.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Receive a comprehensive breakdown of talent showcasing this year by signing up for our Comedy Means Business newsletter at this link.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • This strategy allows DeMellier to be desirable without being ubiquitous.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Flock has been facing mounting pushback from citizens across the political spectrum over privacy, along with instances of vandalism and protest by those who oppose how ubiquitous the cameras have become across the United States.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of ubiquitous
Adjective
  • The goal is also to keep the aircraft adaptable as threats and military requirements change.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Long story short, linen is adaptable, and its appeal extends well beyond a single decorating style.
    — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • Summary Leaders are increasingly sounding generic, often using similar buzzwords, a trend exacerbated by AI's ability to generate competent but unoriginal communication.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Classroom-style exchanges, with judges asking people to raise their hands in response to generic questions about their cases.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • While increasing volumes of the oil are finding routes out of the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, keeping energy prices elevated and pushing up global inflation.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Champagne represented about 8% of global sparkling wine consumption by volume but 31% by value.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of global
Adjective
  • The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The better path is to recognize that the current strategy of widespread attacks and long operational pauses isn’t working, but that surrendering to Iran’s demands isn’t an acceptable outcome.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity
universal
universally
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on universal

Nglish: Translation of universal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universal

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