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 June 27 Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship limited the ability of lower-court judges to issue universal injunctions to block such executive orders nationwide.
—
Carol Nackenoff, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
In April, the Trump administration imposed a 10% universal tariff on goods from most countries, including Brazil.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 July 2025
But presidents of both parties have been frustrated by universal injunctions that stop their orders nationwide.
—Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
In that case, which stemmed from President Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court limited the use of universal injunctions in cases with individuals as plaintiffs, but gave lower courts more latitude in cases brought by states.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Carol Nackenoff, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
In April, the Trump administration imposed a 10% universal tariff on goods from most countries, including Brazil.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 July 2025
But presidents of both parties have been frustrated by universal injunctions that stop their orders nationwide.
—Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
In that case, which stemmed from President Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court limited the use of universal injunctions in cases with individuals as plaintiffs, but gave lower courts more latitude in cases brought by states.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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Best Maxi Dress Deals A versatile maxi dress is a must-have for any summer wardrobe, and so many popular options are discounted right now.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
10 July 2025
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With great size and a terrific first step, Uiagalelei (6-5, 270) combines quick, active hands with great length as a versatile, savvy pass rusher who has not yet hit his ceiling.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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The Hot 100 is composed using a methodology that blends sales, streams, and radio activity, so the fact that the year-plus-old cut is still performing well enough to live within that competitive region on the general streaming and radio tallies shows that consumption is still high to this day.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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Observe and report to armed security Scott Keller, who in December took on the role of the Plaza’s general manager, said the new ownership group began working to improve security soon after the Plaza was purchased.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Five Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams conducted comprehensive on-site assessments in Mexico this month to evaluate containment efforts.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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For the first time, the public had access to a centralized, comprehensive online resource offering the latest research on sea level change, along with an interactive database that allowed users to explore how sea levels have changed over recent decades.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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But though artificial intelligence has become nearly ubiquitous, from smartphones to chatbots to self-driving cars, its impact on health care so far has been relatively low.—
Turgay Ayer,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
-
Fabrications for a modern game of show-and-tell range from clear tonal plastics to silver mesh but easily the strongest concepts come in rope — direct off the runway of bohemian Chloé and ‘It’ girl cool Miu Miu, proposing a winking upgrade to the ubiquitous raffia accessories of summer.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Instead, the future of the energy sector will be defined by adaptable innovation.—
Vaishali Nigam Sinha,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
This shirt dress can easily be worn to a beachside dinner or as a poolside coverup, and shoppers love it for its smooth, breezy material, adaptable style, and relaxed yet stylish fit.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Pick up that Walmart set of pencils or the generic Target pencil sharpener.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
12 July 2025
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Share transformation stories instead of generic tips.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The property, which guests can access via private aircraft or the resort's own fleet, spans just under 3,000 acres and has 25 residences with panoramic views, private pools, and exceptional personalized service.—
Sarah Farag,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
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Travelers can also experience floor-to-ceiling glass walls that flood the terminal with light and offer panoramic views of the sea.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Like, for example, some of the fields currently used to grow corn, the most widespread crop in America—particularly those used to grow corn for ethanol.—
Bill McKibben,
New Yorker,
9 July 2025
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The case has led to widespread expressions of outrage across Chinese social media, the latest among dozens of high-profile scandals have been reported by local media since the early 2000s.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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