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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
Expect many compliments, followed by utter shock when people find out the hoops are under $50 while looking like the epitome of modern luxury. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 But amid the utter devastation of two years of war, a sense of gloom pervades. Saher Alghorra, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
So Schwarber stood there, all right, uttering phrases no player on any team ever wants to utter during this time of year. Jayson Stark, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 For a whole year, Hersh didn’t utter a single word in his new class, where the teacher recited lessons in modern Hebrew. Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • The sheer number of open Power 4 jobs is causing an issue for administrators, as there are only so many top names to fill these high-profile positions.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Styled by Molly Dickson, the simple yet formal footwear aligned with Sweeney’s spring 2026 Stella McCartney look, a form-fitting white minidress with sheer ruched fabric wrapped around a structured corset base with boning and exaggerated hips.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Everyone involved agreed that prioritizing my well-being was of the utmost importance.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Everyone involved agreed that prioritizing my well-being was of the utmost importance.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just hearing this phrase whispered on the other end of the phone is enough to send a chill up your spine.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Light incense and whisper the names of those who came before you.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There is certainly one moral argument for taking games overseas, for saying that fans who follow their team from all corners of the world deserve to have their game and their heroes brought to them.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Since the city does not own the adjacent former Staples building, which Spirit Halloween is leasing, there are no plans for that building to be part of the redevelopment, said Middletown Vice Mayor Steve West.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are some of the absolute best neighborhoods in metro Phoenix for trick-or-treating in 2025.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This plaid jacket is an absolute standout in fall outerwear—already a best-seller with over 1,000 purchases in the past month.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Only a small fraction—less than 10 percent—of an earthquake’s energy is emitted as seismic waves.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag; this gadget picks up the radio frequency (RF) signals that are emitted by cameras and alerts you when these wireless signals have been detected.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier in the day, Knowles spoke with Sherri Shepherd on the Sherri show, and praised Blue Ivy for performing onstage with her mother in front of crowds of 70,000 people per night.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Diane Brady is an award-winning business journalist and author who has interviewed newsmakers worldwide and often speaks about the global business landscape.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yamamoto is also the first pitcher since Curt Schilling to throw consecutive complete games in a postseason.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But perhaps one of the most complete.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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