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

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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
Seeing even a small sampling of the individual grants that have been terminated provides a much better perspective on the sort of damage that is being done to the US public by these cuts and the utter mindlessness of the process that's causing that damage. —ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 So credit is due to 2012's Project X for its staying power as a term for parties descending into utter chaos. —EW.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
The good reason here seems to mostly come down to utter chaos in the EV market. —Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 19 July 2025 Wearing a light-colored button-down shirt and dark pants, Morales only uttered a few words in response to questions from Murphy during the proceeding. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 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
  • The sheer number of workers who are undocumented immigrants make the effect of widespread raids more pronounced.
    — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 21 July 2025
  • In a picture at a piano, Alexa wore a pink, sheer dress that opened at her stomach, signifying that the couple was expecting a girl.
    — Hannah Sacks, People.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • And with just 12 villas, Jenner (or you) can have the utmost in privacy.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2025
  • For fashion and beauty, capturing value will be of the utmost importance for consumers.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 17 July 2025
Definition of utmost
Verb
  • It will be whispered but never spoken aloud lest too many clients will be alienated.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 July 2025
  • Surfers began whispering about the good surf brought on by the area’s sometimes harsh weather in recent years.
    — Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • The consistency of officiating has been a topic players and coaches have been discussing a lot this season, and Engelbert said the league is aware and will evaluate it.
    — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
  • Ogwumike said during Thursday’s CBA media availability that the league did pose ideas regarding extending the season.
    — Ben Pickman, New York Times, 20 July 2025
Definition of say
Adjective
  • To see the process and attention to detail required was an absolute joy.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
  • The issue is less the absolute number than the trajectory.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Definition of absolute
Verb
  • For example, cruise ships in Europe emit as much sulfur dioxide as one billion cars, according to a recent study.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Different materials in space absorb and emit infrared light at specific wavelengths, creating a kind of unique chemical fingerprint.
    — Adi Foord, Space.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of emit
Verb
  • Georgia coach Kirby Smart and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian spoke earlier that day in Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame about their recruiting philosophies in the age of player revenue sharing and schools allocating a big chunk of that $20.5 million to football.
    — Marc Weiszer, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • In a recent interview with Variety, The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman spoke about casting the role of Reed Richards, a.k.a.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of speak
Adjective
  • Construction is about 20% complete, and the building is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year, said Lippman, the CEO of Carmen Schools.
    — Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • During World War II, a small section was used as air raid shelters, complete with heavy fortified doors.
    — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 23 July 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 2 Aug. 2025.

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