universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce universal (audio)
Definition of universalnext
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 That story revolves around the universal longing for love — and the complications of modern romance — told through Luppi’s deliberately warm, analog palette. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026 Maintaining that sense of universal appeal though could be trickier – or impossible – to replicate under a national microscope, outside the context of Georgia or by a different candidate. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 Joe Rogan and podcast guest Shane Gillis criticized Republicans for labeling people who want universal health care as communists. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 Parton wisely opened the song with a verse that is completely universal about worklife, saving more specific complaints for later. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
  1. versatile
  2. general
  3. comprehensive
  4. ubiquitous
  5. adaptable
  6. generic
  7. global
  8. widespread
Adjective
  • The club see him as a versatile player who fits their tactical system and possesses significant potential.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • From anti-theft purses that look like chic handbags to polished trousers that feel more like comfy sweatpants, these styles are versatile, functional, and comfortable to boot—and prices start at just $8.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • Shelley served as the Warriors’ associate general counsel and director of business and legal affairs and risk management, and Vasquez was the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Israel Defense Forces captured Hamas' head of general security during a raid in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
    — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • In its comprehensive plan, the city of Eagle identifies the BLM land Bobo is cleaning up as a major component of the Foothills, calling for public lands to be incorporated into a larger open-space and wildlife-corridor network.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
  • MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • The Gap's heyday was 20 years ago, when its stores were ubiquitous and everyone wore its T-shirts and jeans.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Kusama’s popularity continued to surge in the 2010s and 2020s, with her ubiquitous pumpkin sculptures as well as with fashion collaborations, including two with Louis Vuitton.
    — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ubiquitous
Adjective
  • The obvious comparison with Anthony Gordon has been made by pundits and there are parallels with the adaptable forward Newcastle sold to Barcelona in May for up to €80million.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Whether dressed up with a blazer or kept casual with a tank top, jorts are adaptable, which is a major part of their appeal.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • In 2022, Cuban founded Cost Plus Drugs, a website created to sell generic medication at a lower price than most large pharmacies.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • The industry moves more than 80 percent of global trade by volume.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • India's quarterly economic growth has exceeded expectations several times over the past year, defying a bleak global trade environment, high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of global
Adjective
  • Given the then-widespread assumption that the Greek and Roman past was superior to the present in all aspects of life (except perhaps religion), Renaissance scholars and creators strove to imitate classical antiquity.
    — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Washington recently took a stake in a firm — run by a former Venezuelan government contractor who faces widespread corruption accusations — in an effort to tap the world’s largest oil reserves and tame fuel prices at home.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity
universal
universally
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Cite this Entry

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on universal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universal

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