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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
As Zach Helfand has reported, tipping is not just a labor-justice issue, but also a matter of etiquette, expectation, and, sometimes, utter confusion. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 July 2025 After the huge success of the single-player Hogwarts Legacy and the utter disaster that was the live-service Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the demand from David Zaslav at the top was…more live-service games. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
Wayne Anderson, living in one of the decaying Autumn Ridge apartments, stood next to his car parked and uttered the unsaid words of other residents. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025 Those three words have consistently been uttered, from the boardroom down to head coach Eddie Howe. George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • Founder Samantha Brett emphasizes layering SPF over makeup, with formulas like their Beauty Screen Mineral Tints providing SPF50 protection in a sheer, wearable finish.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The look was finished with a silk tulle veil, crystal beaded Manolo Blahnik satin sandals and a pair of sheer elbow gloves.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This transaction was handled with the utmost professionalism and friendliness.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Still, sustainability remains of utmost importance to companies.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Along the coast, the Curonian Spit unfurls like a ribbon—golden dunes shifting under languid winds and pine forests whispering above the sea.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Nine-year-old Cole Morris cowered in between his grandfather and seven of their family members, whispering prayers as rising floodwaters lapped furiously at the stairs of their attic.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Wei, who had received Naval counterintelligence and insider threat training just days earlier, strongly suspected that his new social media acquaintance was a Chinese spy, prosecutors said.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Last year, acting and literary arts programs paused receiving new applications, Elmendorf said.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But the effect is the absolute least at the marginal rate, and the least in general when the cuts are in rates of a progressive tax system.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The company aims to reduce emissions from a 2019 baseline by 2030 through its Science Based Targets initiative, including a 46% reduction in absolute emissions.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers designed the devices to produce a heat signature and emit a smell designed to attract the pythons, according to the utility company.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Cooling towers, water systems typically located atop buildings, can emit mist containing Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' disease.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Kenyan President William Ruto, in a June letter to the council, spoke about the need for more and better equipment, and more funding and personnel.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Fewer than 40% of people calling the main Social Security Administration line are able to speak to a representative.
    Beth Finkel, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a separate report, The Information said regulators in China have ordered major tech companies, including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent, to suspend Nvidia chip purchases until a national security review is complete.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The new early-stage studies for NASA should be complete by mid-September.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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