Definition of utternext

utter

2 of 2

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
The battle that follows — a muddy and mean scrum — is even more ghastly, partly for its utter pointlessness. ABC News, 17 June 2026 All to the utter indifference of a Hollywood that hadn’t even bothered to hear of him. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Verb
Diplomats are paid to lie for their country, but this may be the greatest and most obvious falsehood ever uttered by a diplomat not named Sergey Lavrov. Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Chen, who is currently being held on $100,000 bail in the Clark County Detention Center, has been charged with five felony counts of bigamy and two counts of intent to utter a fictitious bill/note/check, per FOX5. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Nonetheless, some 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed across two sunny days at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, proving that some cocktails can become refreshing daytime summer sippers just by sheer force of will, and a little crushed ice.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • So why did Ryan bother with Hunter (Jeremy Blewitt) when Naim was his utmost desire?
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
  • Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • This week's quiz highlights cruise controversies, wedding whispers — and much more.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Recalling a former boss who whispered intimate good-byes to his appliances when his restaurant closed, Luca says that the head chef didn’t receive similar farewells from his employees.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Sources told Rolling Stone that Stevie Nicks, a longtime friend of Swift, will be present at the ceremony — and another said that the singer-songwriter would perform on the special day.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • In a press release, Bonta reiterated his commitment to combating hate in California, and said the data obtained are accessible and critical to stopping such crimes in the state.
    Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • This World Cup has been bringing the absolute goods from day one.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • The last decade has been an absolute whirlwind for the 38-year-old film school graduate, who could have never dreamed of the success he’s enjoyed as a YouTube personality with over 10 million subscribers (and counting).
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Enormous fires destroy homes, kill people and emit huge amounts of soot into the air.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • The wide-ranging ordinance outlined how far away data centers can be built from nearby communities, how much noise the centers can emit and what reports property owners must submit to the city.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • While Blutinger was speaking, history professor Jonathan Roth attempted to take video of the protesters in the hallway and got into a physical altercation with a female student who tried to block him from doing so.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • The two spoke during a roundtable meeting in Thornton hosted by the America First Policy Institute.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • My son-in-law feels blindsided, as my daughter is asking for a complete break.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The vast Lake Tahoe estate of Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love, complete with a theater, wine tasting room, ice-skating rink and sauna, could be yours — for the small price of $43 million.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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