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

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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
His mission was to keep the vibes high in the face of utter hopelessness. —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Drone photography of the area showed utter devastation and barely standing homes. —Patrick Smith, NBC news, 20 May 2025
Verb
Though a certain type of mixology devotee may avoid uttering the cocktail names out loud, like Mary Berry’s Soggy Bottom, drinks here are the result of intense thought and care. —Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025 Those were the final words uttered by Emperor Uriel Septum—played by none other than Star Trek's Patrick Stewart—before an assassin leaped out of the shadows to cut him down. —PC Magazine, 22 May 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
  • Johnson paired the look with sheer black tights, giving the ensemble a unified tonal element overall.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
  • The sheer emotional momentum of being part of something—a sea of people unified by purpose—dissipates into the static of daily life.
    — Adam Met, Time, 3 June 2025
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • There is also third-party certification used to verify that materials are truly of the utmost quality.
    — Julia Forbes, Wired News, 13 June 2025
  • Anjelica Huston as Eleanor Zissou in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou With a blue streak in her hair and a piercing glare for her estranged husband, Huston plays Eleanor Zissou with utmost coolness.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Definition of utmost
Verb
  • Other spas boast aerial views or shout about amenities; Shibui whispers, and the result is the world’s most opulent ASMR experience.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 3 June 2025
  • Amid burnout, a workforce hungry for purpose, and a cultural shift toward well-being, many professionals still whisper about their sabbatical or career gap, afraid it’ll be read as a red flag instead of a reset.
    — Daisy Auger-Domínguez, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • Shortly after, Kehl would fall to his death at a neighboring building — police have yet to say if the fall was intentional or accidental.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
  • Padilla said he got fed up listening to her remarks about criminals and invasions and tried to ask a question, while moving forward past the wall of television cameras.
    — Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Definition of say
Adjective
  • Jewel Loyd — Las Vegas Aces Jewell lives up to her name, stepping through the tunnel looking like an absolute gem in this Jacquemus Canadian tuxedo—a sleek, washed, and polished denim suit.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • The United States isn’t a perfect host country, as evidenced during the 2024 Copa America there, but the World Cup will be an absolute success.
    — The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 11 June 2025
Definition of absolute
Verb
  • Decaying sargassum poses health risks, emits noxious gases, and smothers marine habitats and tourist beaches alike, underscoring a cascading set of environmental and economic challenges well beyond the Caribbean islands.
    — Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The feature includes the research and voices of more than 100 leading international architects; Kossakovsky details in the trailer that eight percent of all CO2 is emitted due to cement, with 36 percent of that coming from construction alone.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
Definition of emit
Verb
  • The governor then spoke with roughly two dozen of the protestors in a closed-door meeting in his office.
    — Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025
  • The 'Survivor 48' final 5 speak in exclusive finale interview 'Survivor 48' jury speaks in exclusive pre-finale interview Of course, that is exactly what happened.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of speak
Adjective
  • Ait-Nouri is far from a complete Premier League footballer.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Burns and Hudson tackled each other to the ground, and at that point, Daboll had lost complete control of the practice and had to call the team together and end it altogether.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Definition of complete

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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 16 Jun. 2025.

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