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
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 universal
Most countries are operating under a 10% universal tariff, while China faces a 30% tariff until August 12.
—
Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
The universal keys can be used to open blue collection mailboxes.
—Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
As predicted in Destiny’s Child No Longer, the era of universal newborn genomic screening is dawning.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
If so, more space-efficient universal simulations would be impossible.
—Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
The universal keys can be used to open blue collection mailboxes.
—Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
As predicted in Destiny’s Child No Longer, the era of universal newborn genomic screening is dawning.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
If so, more space-efficient universal simulations would be impossible.
—Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
Angel food cake might be the most versatile and delectable base for desserts aplenty.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Theater room and library loft: The versatile entertainment space upstairs offers a big screen TV and a game or reading table, providing an escape for watching movies, playing games and socializing away from the main living spaces.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Claire Wilkinson, the general counsel for the School District, showed board members the two AI policies.—
Edward McKinnon,
Arkansas Online,
25 July 2025
-
Teresa Moore, the board’s general counsel, said the state is misreading the funding law and should be looking at the original $42 million as an annual requirement, not a one-time expense.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Our conclusion is based on a comprehensive analysis comparing CNC's current valuation with its operational performance in recent years and its historical and current financial health.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
The mini-deal will likely be transformed into a more comprehensive one by late fall.—
Devashish Mitra,
Time,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
After a long career of wear-and-tear where Hogan was ubiquitous as the face of WWE and pro wrestling, surgeries became the norm for the former six-time WWE champion.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Magnetic reconnection is ubiquitous throughout the Universe, and the same physical processes produce solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the Sun.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Prioritize Collaboration With Regulators And System Adaptability Collaborate early with regulators and build flexible, adaptable systems, so teams can respond to change without slowing down.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Osbourne, who died on Tuesday at 76, became a more multifaceted and adaptable thinker than early observers would’ve guessed.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Indian pharmaceutical company plans to launch its generic version of the drug in 87 countries by 2026, CEO Erez Israeli said.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
24 July 2025
-
So, my advice is to skip generic educational content.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Observation car has panoramic windows to ensure fantastic views along the way.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
The greatest artifact of this latter period is the 12th-century St. Pierre’s Cathedral, which was renovated in the 16th century and has retained its original tower; climb the 157 steps for a panoramic view of the city and Lake Geneva.—
Anna Haines,
AFAR Media,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Immediate and widespread evacuations impacted over 2 million people as coastal towns braced for potential waves.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
-
With genetic sequencing becoming cheaper and more widespread, discoveries like this may become more common.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share