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
The goldfish is named Atman, the Sanskrit word for the eternal, universal self, which signals to the audience that Haidle’s play is more than a story about cake and candles.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Bargain shopping is a universal hobby that crosses every genre, and that includes sports.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
Now that Andor has finished its two-season run to universal acclaim, fans have been thinking about what's next for Star Wars TV shows.
—Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Tong noted that the limit on universal injunctions was doubled-edged.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Bargain shopping is a universal hobby that crosses every genre, and that includes sports.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
Now that Andor has finished its two-season run to universal acclaim, fans have been thinking about what's next for Star Wars TV shows.
—Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Tong noted that the limit on universal injunctions was doubled-edged.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
The 6-9 forward is a McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade player of the year for Virginia with versatile skills.—
Aaron Beard,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
-
Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle are two of the clubs credited with an interest in signing Acheampong, the versatile defender who made 12 first-team appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season and started their 3-0 win over ES Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
The studio is banking on the rapidly growing global anime fandom, particularly in the U.S., where enthusiasm spans general audiences, Hollywood creators, celebrities and businesses.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 July 2025
-
The new moon in your sign on January 29 will bring forward a fresh start in your finances as well as your life in general.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Five Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams conducted comprehensive on-site assessments in Mexico this month to evaluate containment efforts.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
For the first time, the public had access to a centralized, comprehensive online resource offering the latest research on sea level change, along with an interactive database that allowed users to explore how sea levels have changed over recent decades.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond these ubiquitous technologies, the quieter rise of connected devices unfolded.—
Thomas Ryd,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Though the United States' EV adoption process may be sluggish compared to other countries, electric vehicles have become ubiquitous in some of the largest cities in America like Los Angeles and San Francisco.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Be adaptable, as your plans with friends and loved ones may change on a whim.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
24 June 2025
-
Native Americans also believed spiderwort to be a sign of strength and endurance, possibly because the plant is adaptable to different conditions, though not in my yard.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Fill your banner with generic corporate speak and watch high-ticket buyers scroll past.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
The chart of accounts should be customized to reflect your business’s unique needs and operations, rather than relying on generic categories.—
Mia Taylor,
CNBC,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
For a glimpse into the town's past, climb the 199 steps to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse (the panoramic views are the icing on the cake) or wander the grounds of Congress Hall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
-
The new location has a panoramic harbor view that includes Baby Beach, the West Basin with its docks, slips and boaters, the jetty and all the comings and goings at the harbor’s entrance.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Despite the Trump administration's assertions on Friday, the U.S. government has described Haiti as a country with deep political instability and plagued by gang violence and widespread poverty.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
-
So, given the popularity of models like the Maverick, why have cheap vehicles gone nearly extinct? Higher margins on similar costs Back in the early 20th century, affordable cars were key to the widespread adoption of the automobile.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share