1
as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things
a universal wrench
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
mankind's universal need for affection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points
the genius of Leonardo da Vinci was universal: he was an artist, an architect, an engineer, and a scientist, among other things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ubiquitous
present in all places and at all times
after the home team won the national championship, throughout the city a sense of pride was as universal as the air
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of universal
New Mexico produces more oil than any other state besides Texas, and the state's revenue from taxes, royalties and lease sales helps cover the cost of college tuition, all school meals, health insurance and a new initiative for free universal child care.
—
ABC News, 14 May 2026
There’s no universal rule, but many financial professionals suggest keeping precious metals as a modest portion of a diversified portfolio rather than concentrating heavily in gold alone.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Diego Luna had both personal motivations and more universal ones that drove him to make Ashes, his fifth feature as director.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
What To Watch For The full New York state budget has yet to be approved as Hochul has said agreements have been made on key matters including funding for universal child care, rising energy costs and infrastructure.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
ABC News, 14 May 2026
There’s no universal rule, but many financial professionals suggest keeping precious metals as a modest portion of a diversified portfolio rather than concentrating heavily in gold alone.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Diego Luna had both personal motivations and more universal ones that drove him to make Ashes, his fifth feature as director.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
What To Watch For The full New York state budget has yet to be approved as Hochul has said agreements have been made on key matters including funding for universal child care, rising energy costs and infrastructure.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
Chic, versatile and cozy for every adventure.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
-
Its flowy maxi style is versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Fields pairs highly adaptable facilities with expert, hands-on production support — a combination that general manager RoseMary Prodonovich says is designed to fuel creative endeavors.—
Kathy A. McDonald,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
Husband is a genuinely excellent partner and a kind, funny, good person in general.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Mavericks now begin a comprehensive search for their next head coach, hoping their next candidate is a promising figure with little regard for the spree of bad luck that has encumbered this organization.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
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Most clinics start with comprehensive evaluations that can include CT, MRI and DXA scans, blood panels, cognitive testing, fitness assessments and genome sequencing.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
But Araki has shaded in the margins masterfully, with vivid supporting turns by Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs and the now-ubiquitous Charli XCX.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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The once ubiquitous Bed Bath & Beyond, with its blue coupon mailers and newspaper inserts, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, and shuttered stores nationwide.—
Howard Cohen
May 14,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Given the wide range of needs today’s organizations may have (and the ever-growing number of video solutions available to them), the openness of AV1 enables the flexibility needed to remain adaptable in the modern video market.—
Fredrik Nilsson,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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Featuring a highly adaptable design, the components were able to be repurposed for the NGP mission, allowing the program to meet challenging schedule needs.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Rather than prescribing a generic gym split, Jimenez’s programming prioritized cardiovascular efficiency, resistance training, stability, and mobility.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
14 May 2026
-
India and Canada recently approved their first generic versions of Ozempic, and countries including China, Brazil and South Africa are expected to soon follow, according to Robin Feldman, a pharmaceutical and intellectual property law expert at the University of California Law San Francisco.—
Berkeley Lovelace Jr,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The strait’s closure has stranded tankers and caused energy prices to spike, threatening global economic growth.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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The policy meant the top biological female finishers were designated co-champions, leading to widespread images of Hernandez sharing the top step of the medal podium with female athletes.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
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Less than 15 years ago, every top professional sports league opposed widespread legalization of sports betting.—
Luke Connors,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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