UNIVERSAL Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

universal

adjective

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl

Definition of universal

as in versatile

able to do many different kinds of things a universal wrench

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

belonging or relating to the whole mankind's universal need for affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Adjective

Prolific and versatile, Richard Linklater has been one of the most joyously unpredictable filmmakers for more than 35 years.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
One of the aspects that makes Grounded so versatile is its depth, which was a highly intentional choice by the Behr and Home Depot teams.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of versatile

Adjective

Diaper qualities and features Some general diaper selection factors to consider are cost, softness, absorbency, fit, fragrance, ingredients and environmental friendliness.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
His agents, Matt and Ryan Keator, wisely held off on engaging in serious negotiations with the Ducks and general manager Pat Verbeek throughout the year while recognizing the uncertainty of an evolving NHL marketplace fueled by a surging salary cap.

— Chris Johnston, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

The town is now essentially a real-world study for scientists, after comprehensive data was gathered over a year back in 2007.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Problems with standardized assessments The most comprehensive measure of adult literacy levels is the Survey of Adult Skills, which is part of a larger international assessment known as the PIAAC.

— Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 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

While mosquitoes are remarkably adaptable animals, scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that their numbers and territory are expanding as the planet warms and weather patterns change.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
The adaptable oak varieties are native to the capital region and, when mature, can often survive the hot, dry summers without being watered — something Leary points to when advocating for preserving the trees rather than planting new ones.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 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

Baobab’s depth of experience across these disciplines gives the company a distinctive foundation to build global franchises at scale.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
The show became a global phenomenon in the hands of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and producer Andy Wilman.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of global

Adjective

But this type of [toxic] female figure is a widespread archetype even in other places and parts of the world.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Shah was sworn in in March on a promise to clean up national politics and address widespread grievances at the lack of opportunities for young people in Nepal, which relies on remittances sent home by migrant workers for around a quarter of its GDP.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity

universal

universally

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Style

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of universal

adjective

Example Sentences

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