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
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 universal
Despite a pandemic and universal shift in how people approach work, his company grew to prominence within a few years of its 2018 founding, naming Amazon, Schneider Electric and Marriott among its clients by 2021.
—
Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
His songs tell stories about his life and his people, inspirational stories that are universal enough for everyone to relate to.
—Reshma B, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025
The justices have expressed skepticism about universal injunctions in the past.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025
Many companies have been raising prices to mitigate cost increases from the 10% universal tariffs on every product entering the United States and higher levies on Chinese goods.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
His songs tell stories about his life and his people, inspirational stories that are universal enough for everyone to relate to.
—Reshma B, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025
The justices have expressed skepticism about universal injunctions in the past.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025
Many companies have been raising prices to mitigate cost increases from the 10% universal tariffs on every product entering the United States and higher levies on Chinese goods.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
The versatile and super simple formula might just replace your go-to pound cake at the next potluck.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
-
His relative breakthrough in 2024 — career-best four sacks in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury — speaks to his pass-rushing upside, but his transition to the NFL could begin as a versatile core piece for new special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
This misguided individual, as well as others, hold a general population accountable for the actions of an entire nation.—
Diane Gensler,
Baltimore Sun,
26 May 2025
-
Even in high school, but especially college-level, teaching general courses like psychology or sociology usually require a master’s or doctorate-level degree.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Our comprehensive analysis of Salesforce, across key indicators like Growth, Profitability, Financial Stability, and Downturn Resilience, reveals that the company continues to demonstrate very strong operational performance and a robust financial condition.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
Being able to place the device on someone’s head would allow for more comprehensive brain monitoring.—
Paul McClure
May 29,
New Atlas,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The trend became so ubiquitous that the Democratic presidential candidate and former vice president Kamala Harris was declared brat by Charli herself.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
21 May 2025
-
Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.—
Jason Lipshutz,
Billboard,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
One smart way to sell qualifications is to communicate the willingness to be adaptable to innovations and tactical strategies.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
Additionally, adaptable technology providers should offer scalability and customization, which allows brands to grow while leveraging increasingly sophisticated automation and analytics tools.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
These can include the Barnum Effect, in which someone accepts vague or generic personality descriptions as specific and accurate to themselves, or confirmation bias, in which a person places too much confidence in information that affirms their existing beliefs.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
25 May 2025
-
But because nearly every one of these competitions includes the prospect of a USA-Mexico and/or USA-Canada meeting, the generic pressure to participate is far higher than in your average UEFA Nations League match might be.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s an observation deck with panoramic city views, as well as a nightly signature salute for veterans that bathes the monument in red, white and blue.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
-
This 37-mile barrier island, just off Route 50, invites visitors to explore hiking trails in the nearby Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, paddle calm bays, or climb the historic Assateague Lighthouse for panoramic views.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
The plaintiffs said in court filings that Trump's drastic downsizing of federal agencies will result in an array of widespread harms to the public, including gutting disaster relief programs, public health services, food safety inspections, and contagious disease prevention.—
Daniel Wiessner,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Now, it’s being discussed and measured in people’s bloodwork on a more widespread basis.—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share