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 Done well, universal mental health screenings will provide the first population-level map of where youth mental health needs actually sit, letting the state and municipalities direct resources based on evidence rather than assumption. — Vanessa Andersen, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Read more from Daniel on the midterm push to woo MAHA voters, as well as what universal health issue still looms larger than the others. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 The debate then shifted to Villegas’ support of Medicare for All, a progressive policy that would provide universal, comprehensive healthcare to all residents. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Councilmember Monica Rodriguez said that as the license plate reader technology is adopted by other, non-police agencies such as sanitation and street services, the city needs a universal policy governing its use. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for universal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal

Adjective

In 2025, the first chime of bells from a mountain pavilion at dawn, accompanied by a gentle morning greeting, creates a space where each collection is experienced independently and explores the versatile expressions of Songmont’s design language.

— Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
No team had ever made the playoffs after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, so to make it after three in a row was unthinkable, especially after one of their versatile pitchers was sidelined in spring training.

— Don Riddell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of versatile

Adjective

Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Davide Sgariboldi, general manager at Euroitalia, said that causes excitement.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Months later, Straker delivered a comprehensive menu—and when the doors opened, Casa Cruz became London’s hottest restaurant.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

The game show is based around those ubiquitous internet verification tests that check if the visitor to a website is human or a bot.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
But in an age where AI-assisted writing is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, the distinctly unpolished text has its own charm.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of ubiquitous

Adjective

Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Such hands-on learning, in turn, develops versatile, adaptable talent, producing graduates who can pivot across jobs as industries, technologies and opportunities evolve.

— Raghupathy Sivakumar, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

And of course, when patents eventually expire, generic manufacturers can copy those discoveries and introduce them at much lower cost.

— Dr. Bowman Heiden, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
For years, the city has primarily played the role of somewhere else — a cheaper Seattle, New York or generic American city.

— Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of generic

Adjective

Cultural and societal differences can also represent a challenge for global businesses when trying to assess socio-economic diversity.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Heated Rivalry delivered on Bell’s promise to generate shows that resonate locally and go global, with the associated financial and reputational benefits.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of global

Adjective

There also remained no claim of responsibility for Saturday's attack on Riyadh airport, though the Houthis at times have kept silent when an attack brought widespread international condemnation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Some 356,000 remained without power from the storm, which caused widespread damage and at least four deaths.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of universal

adjective

Example Sentences

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