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utter

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word utter distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of utter are air, broach, express, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When is air a more appropriate choice than utter?

In some situations, the words air and utter are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

In what contexts can broach take the place of utter?

The synonyms broach and utter are sometimes interchangeable, but broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to utter?

The words express and utter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When might vent be a better fit than utter?

While in some cases nearly identical to utter, vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When would voice be a good substitute for utter?

The meanings of voice and utter largely overlap; however, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 utter
Adjective
The finale opens on a close-up of Syd, her head pressed to the fence outside the kitchen door in a gesture of utter exhaustion. Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025 Then, to my utter amazement, four geese tumbled one by one out of the line-stone dead, not even a kicker. Nash Buckingham, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025
Verb
Ahead of training camp, one veteran uttered a strong vote of confidence for a key member of the franchise. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 During Tuesday night’s public comment period, the mayor’s mic picked up him uttering an expletive referring to a public commenter, with the moment posted on multiple social media accounts. Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • Felipe Cardenas: Due to sheer numbers and commitment, Boca’s ultras and travelling band of die-hard fans lit up the tournament.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Her Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress was a mermaid-style lace gown with sheer long sleeves and a high neckline.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Emily Trainham , Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The strategy is critically needed, and is of utmost urgency in Central Florida, which saw 439 fatal childhood drownings over the past 15 years (2009-2024) — the most recorded in any of the state’s six regions, according to Florida DCF.
    Karen Cohn, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • Just like with physical health, these results are treated with the utmost transparency.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • In 2000, whispers of a 13-year-old phenom from Naperville, Ill. — a Chicago suburb — began reverberating through the AAU circuit.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Still, whispers point to events spread across the Italian lagoon city, adding complexity to what would have been a massive logistical undertaking even on dry land.
    Paolo Santalucia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The case against Severance-Lopez, Yard said, hinges on a single email to Zhang containing a W-9 tax form.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2025
  • Bell said the money the Adam family is donating will stay in San Diego.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • This Week on Max: PCMag's Picks Sinners (July 4) What better way to celebrate America's birthday than with one of the absolute best films of the year?
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 July 2025
  • Historical practice further refutes the idea that the president’s executive power is absolute.
    Steve Woolpert, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • In 2024, India emitted 3.3 billion metric tons, up 24% over the past decade.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • There’s frustration that despite warnings and actions, the world’s nations are still emitting more global-warming greenhouse gases, accelerating the impacts of climate change.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Blinder said a shadow Fed chair would mean markets would have to make sense of two influential voices speaking about monetary policy at the same time, but offering potentially very different visions.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
  • But six months is still a long time to remember who everybody is on a show with dozens of speaking roles, most of them played by actors in identical jumpsuits, and/or wearing masks.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The upshot is that means better paper compatibility, since the pages don't have to make a complete turn.
    Brad Bourque, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • To maintain growth, the company expanded the platform into a complete business admin service while also taking a risk on expanding to the U.S.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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