Synonyms of utter

utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər 

1

as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions

our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sheer
• absolute
• complete
• unconditional
• pure
• total
• simple
• outright
• definite
• unmitigated
• damn
• damned
• perfect
• very
• profound
• real
• unadulterated
• downright
• endless
• consummate
• unqualified
• deadly
• thoroughgoing
• dreadful
• arrant
• categorical
• huge
• blank
• thorough
• stark
• crashing
• constant
• out-and-out
• flat-out
• plumb
• rank
• unalloyed
• all-out
• regular
• straight-out
• clean
• genuine
• perpetual
• fair
• eternal
• veritable
• dead
• blooming
• horrible
• flat
• bodacious
• terrible
• stone
• extreme
• unremitting
• undying
• authentic
• hopeless
• classic
• supreme
• unrestricted
• main
• habitual
• extraordinary
• confirmed
• inveterate
• superlative
• terrific
• frightful
• surpassing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertain
• doubtful
• questionable
• qualified
• restricted
• dubious
• equivocal

2

as in utmost

of the highest degree

spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utmost
• greatest
• maximum
• full
• top
• high
• topmost
• heightened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• minimum
• slightest
• minimal
• lowest
• low
• littlest
• lessened

utter

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to whisper

to send forth using the vocal cords

she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• whisper
• emit
• squeak
• deliver
• sob
• stutter
• exclaim
• moan
• whimper
• gasp
• groan
• mouth
• stammer
• snarl
• sputter
• squeal
• ejaculate
• squawk
• hoot
• pant
• lip
• blurt (out)
• heave
• quaver
• yowl

2

as in to say

to express (a thought or emotion) in words

never uttered a single comment at the meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• say
• speak
• tell
• talk
• discuss
• share
• state
• articulate
• verbalize
• enunciate
• vocalize
• put
• bring out
• give
• shout
• pass
• announce
• put into words
• voice
• proclaim
• publish
• whisper
• blurt
• word
• sound
• declare
• look
• post
• affirm
• phrase
• gasp
• mouth
• avow
• promulgate
• air
• get off
• assert
• murmur
• vent
• allege
• advertise
• ventilate
• blabber
• breathe
• aver
• broadcast
• formulate
• lip
• publicize
• comment
• blaze
• spout
• remark
• chirp
• snarl
• bolt
• splutter
• shoot
• avouch
• couch
• clothe
• rip (out)
• purr
• drawl
• formulize
• pipe up (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• stifle

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

Recent Examples of utter

Adjective

That didn’t change the overriding feeling of utter failure one iota. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

What is rare, though, is the opportunity to look out across the river with the luxury of space and utter quiet. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Verb

For example, lying isn’t merely uttering a falsehood. —Robert B. Talisse, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026

But in the meantime, the president can’t take back his words, words that appear to meet the UN definition of genocide and, when uttered by a world leader, are taken as policy. —Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026