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
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Recent Examples of universal
The Dolphins enter days two and three of the NFL Draft with 11 more picks, at least three gaping holes and reaffirmation of the universal belief that everything with this franchise isn’t going to be fixed in one draft.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
New York state lost enrollment last school year, even as New York City, which already has universal prekindergarten, is charging ahead with a plan to make all child care free for younger children.
—Moriah Balingit, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
New York state lost enrollment last school year, even as New York City, which already has universal prekindergarten, is charging ahead with a plan to make all child care free for younger children.
—Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
That center at Columbus Circle is now closed, but what is the city doing to keep other day cares safe, and how will safety play into the mayor's plans for universal child care across the city?
—Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
New York state lost enrollment last school year, even as New York City, which already has universal prekindergarten, is charging ahead with a plan to make all child care free for younger children.
—Moriah Balingit, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
New York state lost enrollment last school year, even as New York City, which already has universal prekindergarten, is charging ahead with a plan to make all child care free for younger children.
—Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
That center at Columbus Circle is now closed, but what is the city doing to keep other day cares safe, and how will safety play into the mayor's plans for universal child care across the city?
—Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
-
Muhammad is a tough cornerback who is versatile in both man and zone.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Bucs selected five players over the final four rounds, adding versatile Miami defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth, Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart and Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth in the fifth, and LSU tight end Bauer Sharp in the sixth.—
Fred Goodall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Then last June, the Nuggets snatched Wallace back from Minnesota, hiring him as their new co-general manager alongside his friend Ben Tenzer — another longtime Connelly disciple who’d been a steady hand behind the scenes in Denver’s front office since 2013.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen cut their teeth as part of the Rams organization, learning from GM Les Snead and coach Sean McVay.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defense system are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
With overwhelming bipartisan support, Indiana enacted one of the most comprehensive state-level national security laws in the country.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet across prewar co-ops and walk-ups that haven’t seen a renovation since Ed Koch was mayor, the stainless steel panel listing each unit next to a tiny, round button remains ubiquitous.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In this one, the book advance probably immunizes Vance from charges and temptations of Washington’s ubiquitous graft.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ubiquitous yet endlessly adaptable, the money plant integrates effortlessly into indoor settings while contributing to gentle transpiration.—
Nolan Lewis,
Architectural Digest,
27 Apr. 2026
-
However, deer are adaptable creatures and often get used to the tricks put in their path, eventually ignoring attempts to deter them, Walke says.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While tools for setting targets and identifying generic solutions are widely available, Chauhan added, what’s missing is a comparative prioritization tool capable of translating broad ambitions into facility-specific financial roadmaps.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
When using the sites, don’t just focus on the generic value of your vehicle, but look at what it’s been selling recently in your area.—
Danny Smith,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Brent crude, the global standard, was trading at $116, up 4% for the day, in the morning.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
That abandonment is even more damaging in a country like Cuba, which has run a global propaganda campaign based on its social achievements.—
Sarah Moreno
Updated April 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the earliest examples of citizen journalism took place before the widespread use of the Internet.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Social media posts indicated a widespread skepticism about the school board’s request, and the finance board Tuesday night endorsed cutting the education increase by $125,000.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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