utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər How to pronounce utter (audio)
Definition of utternext
1
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in utmost
of the highest degree spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utter

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to whisper
to send forth using the vocal cords she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words never uttered a single comment at the meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Exile, madness, utter loneliness — these are the only alternatives Mr. Fugard’s characters have. —Carmel Dagan, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025 In utter disbelief, June responds by getting out of line and following the voice calling her name. —EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
Hence the importance of uttering those two little words: thank you. —Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Apr. 2025 Paris is the coy Daris (Arya Grace Gaston), and the doomed hero Achilles has become the grim-faced Trojan running back Keeley (Erin Treadway, in boxer braids and golden work boots), who refuses to take the field after Johnny utters a fatal insult. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
  1. sheer
  2. utmost
  3. whisper
  4. say
  5. absolute
  6. emit
  7. speak
  8. complete
Adjective
  • Characterized by sheer white tones with a glossy finish, the milky nail look supplies a more natural look.
    — Taylor Anderson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Milk bath nails have become popular for its sheer milky color worn by celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Meghan Markle.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • The tenets of the Society of Jesus emphasize the utmost importance of service, advocacy for the poor, and the promotion of peace.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Profitability—the point at which a film’s investors begin to see returns—is also of the utmost importance to studio bigwigs, sometimes to movie-lovers’ chagrin.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of utmost
Verb
  • Just look at the recent scrutiny of Michelle Obama, who faced months of rumors and divorce whispers for simply choosing to bow out of certain aspects of public life.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Devastated by the carnage around him and the heart-wrenching duty of telling his quasi-stepson, Jake (Taj Speights), that his girlfriend (Sloan Mannino) died in the shooting, Robby sank to the floor of the pediatrics room, sobbing and whispering the Shema prayer to himself.
    — Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • Base personnel contacted the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which looked into the matter, said the official.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The constitutional provision prohibiting public funds from being used for sectarian purposes echoed language drafted by Native Americans, the historians and legal scholars said.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of say
Adjective
  • But a) there are simply so many other Chappell Roan songs that are better suited for an EDM remix, if such a thing must exist, and b) the remix is an absolute affront to God.
    — James Factora, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, the analyst believes the stock is trading at an attractive level, consistent with its past three-year average in absolute terms and relative to the S & P 500.
    — Pia Singh, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of absolute
Verb
  • This signal made the initial detection exciting: on a planet that may have a massive ocean, there is likely a gas that is, on Earth, emitted by biological organisms.
    — Daniel Apai, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Far-infrared light, associated with longer wavelengths than what even the James Webb Space Telescope can see, is emitted by cosmic dust that has absorbed starlight.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of emit
Verb
  • While speaking from the grounds at Augusta National, Rory expressed those sentiments.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This time, Mary looked famine-struck and spoke mostly in pained moans.
    — Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of speak
Adjective
  • Newsom's office told Fox News Digital that the risk assessment will be complete on June 13, 2025.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • More news to know now Jury selection is complete in the second murder trial of Karen Read.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

utopias
utter
utterance
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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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