utter 1 of 2

Definition of utternext

utter

2 of 2

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
On their first two trips to the property, the enormity of the task at hand—and their utter naiveté in taking it on—sank in. Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2026 That battle is likely to last into training camp as new head coach Todd Monken tries to find a quarterback that won't be an utter failure — like the last 42 or so quarterbacks who have previously started for the Browns have been. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
Refreshingly, the name Tilly Norwood was seldom uttered, and that alone struck many attendees as progress. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 May 2026 In contrast to crimes such as murder or arson, which can be committed without uttering – or writing – a single word, threats are inherently crimes of language. Phillip M. Carter, The Conversation, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, Lisa attended the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in a sheer Jacquemus look, and in January, Kith named her guest designer for its spring 2026 collection.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 June 2026
  • Elizabeth Hurley looked incredible in a black string bikini and sheer pants on Instagram.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Signing an attacker — preferably with versatility and the ability to play across the front line, like Gordon, rather than merely an out-and-out left-winger — is of the utmost priority, alongside bringing in a new No 1.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 June 2026
  • In fact, Bo and Danielle South maintain their son’s experience at Myers Park was overwhelmingly positive, and that the school has treated them with the utmost care and respect since his death.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Republicans, meanwhile, are whispering that Democrats' fears of unused Platner oppo are well-founded.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 10 June 2026
  • The report by New York magazine said that former staffers have whispered about Mace’s drinking and marijuana use.
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • In recent weeks, Bass has offered her own critical assessment of Raman, saying the councilmember struggled to work closely with others — even her own allies.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Then, the magic comes in the editing room, piecing together the story to say something bigger than one shot ever could.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Japan hasn’t made access to lawyers during interrogations an absolute right despite being a member of The Group of Seven (G7) – an intergovernmental forum of the US and other Western allies that often emphasizes the importance of human rights and the rule of law.
    Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Plenty of people will argue that the absolute best way to eat watermelon seeds is roasting them.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Looking for invisible matter Because dark matter does not emit light, scientists must search for it indirectly.
    Christopher Karwin, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
  • This ground-level ozone can form when carbon monoxide gas emitted by wildfires chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Much of his speech and remarks from other officials speaking at the convention Friday focused on party unity after a bruising primary season, where Democrats are hoping to capitalize on what could be a vulnerable year for Republicans.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
  • OpenAI Ceo Sam Altman speaks to journalists after meeting with US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 3, 2026.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Put simply, Maine would not be Maine without its lobster—and a trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete without eating some.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • That single trait adds a complete unpredictability to Waddle’s breaks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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