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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
His supervisors didn’t believe his stories of utter destruction in Hiroshima. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 How often does Stephen A utter Lebron's name? Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
Those who utter them must know that no one believes them. Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 All that talk about hunger, coupled with Chicago scoring touchdowns on four of its first five possessions, led usually mute linebacker Matt Milano to utter his first words of the series. Tim Graham, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • The strapless corset gown had a sheer illusion jacket embellished with pearls, and was paired with a cathedral veil.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Clad in a chain-mail dress with sheer stripes and waist-length hair, Wilson's appearance during the Chris Habana show was greeted with raucous applause.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What sets Leviyev apart from her competitors is the fact that each treatment is handled with utmost compassion, precision, and a belief that external beauty is a result of harmony between internal bodily functions.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Nepal's stability, peace and prosperity are of utmost importance.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Behind the set of double doors protecting the visiting locker room, the silence was so noticeable that conversations among players, owners and coaches could be nearly whispered — until Chris defensive star Chris Jones interrupted the tranquility.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
  • To convey alterations in tone, volume and emotion, a variable typeface is deployed, showing louder voices in a larger font and whispers in smaller text as well as different display options for pitch, non-speech sounds and music.
    Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Doctors and public health experts said that the hepatitis B shot is currently recommended for all babies at birth because the risk if a baby is missed is too high.
    Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Aid groups say the Israeli military continues to restrict access to food, water, and humanitarian aid, worsening a crisis already marked by starvation and displacement.
    Kaity Kline, NPR, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first monthly jobs report released since McEntarfer’s ousting, the June jobs report, which initially reported a gain of 147,000 jobs, has now been revised downward to just 14,000 jobs in the July revision and now an absolute decrease of 13,000 jobs in the August revision.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • These genius finds are absolute miracle workers that not only cut down prep time and save space, but also make cooking a breeze.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • When the bacterium is emitted into the atmosphere, these INPs generate ice particles — a process called ice nucleation that is the first step in rain formation in cold clouds.
    Katherine Bourzac, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Global South initiative speaks to billions of individuals whose innovations have been marginalized by traditional power structures.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The right to speak freely is the ultimate personal liberty and the foundation of Karen’s 11-year career at The Post.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Difficult Let’s do a complete walkthrough of today’s Difficult Pips.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The Pats drafted Tyquan Thornton in the second round in 2022 and cut him before his third season was complete.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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