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
The country has universal health care for its citizens, meaning the cost of drugs and procedures poses less of a burden for people seeking care.
—
Joseph Choi, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
The push for the bus pilot also comes after Hochul dedicated state money to funding a version of Mamdani’s promise of universal child care, another of the mayor’s core campaign promises.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
General Daily Insight for February 10, 2026 Acts of service are a universal love language at present.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Oh, and Tools for Humanity is also a crypto purveyor that flirted with, and then ditched, the idea of providing a universal basic income.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Joseph Choi, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
The push for the bus pilot also comes after Hochul dedicated state money to funding a version of Mamdani’s promise of universal child care, another of the mayor’s core campaign promises.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
General Daily Insight for February 10, 2026 Acts of service are a universal love language at present.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Oh, and Tools for Humanity is also a crypto purveyor that flirted with, and then ditched, the idea of providing a universal basic income.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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Thankfully, the silhouette is the epitome of trendy, offering a versatile design that includes a side swish, contrasting textiles, and bold colors.—
Ruby McAuliffe,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
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Loveappella Roll-Top Maxi Skirt Maxi skirts are especially versatile, and this roll-top style by Loveappella can easily stay in your weekly closet rotation through every season.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Though framed as a request for information, Levine’s letter signals that Florida’s campaign against accrediting bodies — once focused on general university oversight — is expanding into medicine, one of the most tightly regulated sectors of higher education.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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The second would be how friendly people are along King Drive in general.—
Kynala Phillips,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The city plans to roll out a comprehensive outreach campaign so residents are aware of the registration process and can learn more about converting their properties into pollinator gardens.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
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Desmond Lamb is the executive director of Friends of Yates, a comprehensive community agency in Wyandotte County that operates a domestic violence shelter.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While hematologists and vascular medicine doctors have the most expertise managing blood thinners, the ubiquitous nature of the medications means they are prescribed by everyone from primary care physicians to cardiologists.—
David Cox,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
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With the algorithms delivering the same cycle of digital inspiration, and the ubiquitous availability of all these products, our interiors have begun developing a sameness.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Credit is due to the series' expressive, ever-adaptable Minions and their adorably garbled language, as well as Steve Carell's voice work as Gru, the supervillain at the heart of the story.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Feb. 2026
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Others suggest that borrowing strategies from biology may offer the most efficient path toward adaptable, resilient machines.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Some are strong sellers that are being made available at sizeable discounts, while others are older medications, have inexpensive generic alternatives or are being offered at prices that are probably comparable to what drugmakers receive from insurers.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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In 2022, billionaire investor Mark Cuban launched Cost Plus Drugs, an online pharmacy focused on offering lower cost generic drugs.—
Berkeley Lovelace Jr,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Paris — Gisèle Pelicot emerged as a global feminist hero in 2024 by transforming her horrific, personal story into a public battle against rape culture.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
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Italian robotics firm Generative Bionics has partnered with Fincantieri, a global leader in high-complexity shipbuilding, to deploy autonomous humanoid robots in shipyards.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Long before news broke of lawsuits alleging a widespread State Farm bad faith scheme to wrongly deny Oklahoma hail claims, Coppermark’s petition accused insurance companies and the insurance department of working in cahoots.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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The surveys show widespread skepticism that governments can really fix problems like the affordability crisis, rising inequality, declining upward mobility, and stagnating or declining living standards.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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