utter

Definition of utternext

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 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 The actress revealed on a recent episode of Hot Ones that Cruise once uttered a truly iconic sentence when the pair were stuck on wires shooting a mentally and physically painful sequence for their 2014 sci-fi film. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 Once again, we’re shown Blunt’s character being hijacked by aliens mid-weather report, uttering an alien language of clicks and pops. ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Verb
  • Others capture the couple kissing and Porter smiling as his fiancé whispered something in his ear.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
  • Klay Thompson’s name was whispered in Oklahoma City for a decade following a Game 6 rampage for the ages.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 May 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
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
  • Serna and Hulst never got the chance to speak one last time.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • The person requested anonymity because they're not permitted to speak publicly about the confidential discussions.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • In the end, the club squeaked by with a 1-0 win in the final game of the season, keeping its place in the top tier of La Liga.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 June 2026
  • If the puck squeaked through, Hall may have connected with Jackson Blake for a breakaway attempt, so some credit to Guhle is due.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • Benjie Ancheta, police chief of Alabel town in Sarangani in the Philippines, told Reuters that the police building had some cracks immediately after the quake, which occurred during their flag-raising ceremony.
    Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • The suspect is likely the father of the two children, police told ABC-7.
    Noah Goldberg Follow, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Sparks end a three-game losing streak with an 89-72 win over expansion Portland, delivering their stingiest defensive performance of the season.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Just days before the first article drawn from Silent Spring appeared in the pages of The New Yorker in June 1962, Carson had flown to California to deliver the commencement speech at Scripps College.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Paul DiPierro and Scott Ostrander, owners of adjacent restaurant Origami Asian Grill, encouraged Pruner to talk to the landlord when the space vacated.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
  • My mother opens the balcony door and starts hanging up underpants, talking to the guests with her back to them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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