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
For readers of Tara Westover’s Educated or Chanel Miller’s Know My Name, The Tell is one of those deeply personal stories that manages to feel universal at the same time.
—
Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 June 2025
For the purpose of the art of the deal, the threat of a universal tariff, currently at 10% but hypothetically due to rebound to the ridiculous reciprocal rates of 30% or 40% on key allies at the end of the 90-day pause in July, is a compelling one.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
The United States maintains a 10% universal tariff on most goods coming into the country, and Trump just doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum this week.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
These systems are universal, providing comprehensive coverage to citizens and residents, although access and coverage can vary.
—Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 June 2025
For the purpose of the art of the deal, the threat of a universal tariff, currently at 10% but hypothetically due to rebound to the ridiculous reciprocal rates of 30% or 40% on key allies at the end of the 90-day pause in July, is a compelling one.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
The United States maintains a 10% universal tariff on most goods coming into the country, and Trump just doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum this week.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
These systems are universal, providing comprehensive coverage to citizens and residents, although access and coverage can vary.
—Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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Kiner-Falefa would be the most versatile option at the deadline for the Yankees.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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While the price might seem steep for a meat thermometer, it's built to last, easy to clean and versatile enough that the whole family can get some use out of it.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Pecans Pecans — as well as nuts in general — are a great item to buy in bulk at Costco.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
7 June 2025
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One former board member was Bean’s secretary, who had donated money to his wife’s campaigns for Knox County circuit, general sessions and juvenile court clerk, according to Betty Bean and local news reports at the time.—
Paige Pfleger,
ProPublica,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Employee Health and Productivity Many small businesses have tight budgets and struggle to provide basic benefits, much less comprehensive health insurance to all employees.—
Rhett Buttle,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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The center has provided comprehensive HIV care and treatment services since 2005.—
Sarah Baniak,
ABC News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Reflective writing, another recent trend, is practically ubiquitous in medical schools and residency programs, and there is some evidence that writing may make doctors more empathetic and observant.—
Danielle Ofri,
New Yorker,
7 June 2025
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Smart lawn mowers certainly aren't as ubiquitous as their indoor, floor-cleaning counterparts, and there are several good reasons for that.—
John Mihaly,
PC Magazine,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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This pendant light is adaptable to sloped ceilings, has an adjustable height, and can be dimmed to deliver the perfect overhead glow day or night.—
Maria Conti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
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By strategically integrating emerging technologies, building robust security, and creating an adaptable environment, companies can not only withstand disruptions but also seize new opportunities.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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The Father’s Day gifts on this list strike the right balance between comfort and utility, without going over your budget or becoming too generic.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
6 June 2025
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But McKayla hastens to correct the generic impression.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Take the elevator to the observation deck and let the panoramic view sink in.—
Rafael Peña,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
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These displays stream real-time video from cameras mounted on the aircraft's exterior, offering passengers a panoramic, immersive view of the skies.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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These elements converge as widespread panic grips a small American farm town.—
Deroy Murdock,
National Review,
3 June 2025
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Cuba continues to suffer widespread shortages of food and medicine, a collapsing economy and unrelenting state surveillance.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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