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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
Seeing even a small sampling of the individual grants that have been terminated provides a much better perspective on the sort of damage that is being done to the US public by these cuts and the utter mindlessness of the process that's causing that damage. ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 So credit is due to 2012's Project X for its staying power as a term for parties descending into utter chaos. EW.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
The good reason here seems to mostly come down to utter chaos in the EV market. Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 19 July 2025 Wearing a light-colored button-down shirt and dark pants, Morales only uttered a few words in response to questions from Murphy during the proceeding. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • Some deliver a sheer, just-back-from-vacation glow; others lean richer, with light-reflecting pigments and true bronze color payoff.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025
  • But a continuous thread was a Daphne Blake-esque purple; in pea coats, sheer dresses, billowing blouses, and a monochromatic heels and stockings combo.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The standalone Capella Manor and two Colonial Manors were recently renovated and offer utmost privacy on the outskirts of the 30-acre resort.
    Christine Burroni, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025
  • My 16-year-old daughter loves her tank tops, especially on hot summer days when staying cool is of utmost importance.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • It will be whispered but never spoken aloud lest too many clients will be alienated.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 July 2025
  • Surfers began whispering about the good surf brought on by the area’s sometimes harsh weather in recent years.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Caiden and the injured passenger were taken to a local hospital where Caiden died, officials said.
    David Chiu, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • And yet, nearly half report difficulty staying productive on the road (46%), and half say business travel negatively affects their well-being (50%).
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, all the chatter on that October 2005 morning was focused on the absolute madman chain-smoking and mainlining coffee to a degree never witnessed before.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 July 2025
  • The issue is less the absolute number than the trajectory.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • For example, cruise ships in Europe emit as much sulfur dioxide as one billion cars, according to a recent study.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Different materials in space absorb and emit infrared light at specific wavelengths, creating a kind of unique chemical fingerprint.
    Adi Foord, Space.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The report cited a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details were not public.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Warren Buffett speaks during the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 3, 2025.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Construction is about 20% complete, and the building is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year, said Lippman, the CEO of Carmen Schools.
    Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • All the elements are there, complete with potential cliff-hanger endings for each episode.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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