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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
Ray is the leader of a biker gang and demands utter subservience. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025 Her lyrics are rooted in utter specificity and late-twenties realness, sounding tender and timeless across Xandy Chelmis’ lap steel. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Though they are uttered in an entirely (and hilariously) different context within the movie itself, these words define Ronan Day-Lewis’s Anemone in more ways than one. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2025 My patients began to make different health choices and to question their prior ones almost as soon as the words were uttered. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • The sheer expanse of places to see in Japan is astounding.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Sources of succor and disquiet—currents which Winter has ridden in life and art—each female elder is a maternal presence who offers complementary textures to the tapestry Winter has woven from threads of experience and sheer imagination.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With their pastel-pretty facades and flower box gardens that residents tend to with utmost care, the colorful alleys of Villefranche-sur-Mer are made for impromptu Instagram shoots.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The safety and satisfaction of our customers remain our utmost concern.
    News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Continue reading … DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ – What did Rubio whisper to Trump?
    , FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • There were whispered mentions of prison, alcoholism, domestic abuse.
    Rachel Linden, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For example, Kelly says the company gauges the effectiveness of its programs and overall team member experience through employee surveys and resource groups.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Political stability, rule of law, and a pro-business approach are encouraging companies to invest in technology and restructure to improve profitability, McVey said.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Third, Netanyahu's insistence on resuming fighting in Gaza to achieve absolute victory was never practical, as the United States learned in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and Israel in the West Bank.
    Ehud Barak, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This year's trade deadline was an absolute bloodbath, as the Twins cut ties with 11 players in two days.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • People with lung conditions can’t live without them, but the researchers noted some might be able to switch to an alternative inhaler that emits fewer problematic propellants.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
  • White dwarfs will cool to become black dwarfs after about 1014 years or so, and the even smaller neutron stars will cease to emit visible light after around 1015-1016 years.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Actions speak louder than words, though, and Breslow’s actions last offseason put the Red Sox in a better spot to contend.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In the series’ final chapters, Gein is also shown speaking to Jorgensen, in a fantastical conversation, via ham radio while in prison.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As one of the Foundation’s top executives, Gatlin managed its daily operations, oversaw fundraising activities and had complete control over spending.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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