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 Kansas State Board of Education in December narrowly voted against including universal free school meals in their list of legislative priorities for the 2025 session.
—
Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
Catholic natural law, as articulated by figures such as St. Thomas Aquinas, is a philosophical and theological framework centered on universal moral principles accessible through reason.
—Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Order of amino acid recruitment into the genetic code resolved by last universal common ancestor’s protein domains
Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
While the exact number of hours may differ for each individual, the benefits of prioritizing quality sleep are universal.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for universal 
Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
Catholic natural law, as articulated by figures such as St. Thomas Aquinas, is a philosophical and theological framework centered on universal moral principles accessible through reason.
—Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Order of amino acid recruitment into the genetic code resolved by last universal common ancestor’s protein domains
Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
While the exact number of hours may differ for each individual, the benefits of prioritizing quality sleep are universal.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for universal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal
Adjective
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Using art to 'promote the richness and uniqueness of Black beauty' As a versatile impressionist and realist, Fatai's work has now been featured in exhibitions and museums within Nigeria and around the word.—
Caché McClay,
USA TODAY,
23 Jan. 2025
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Johnson is the 3-and-D prototype, scoring 19.4 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting while establishing himself as a versatile defender throughout his career.—
Jared Weiss,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Could general manager Brian Cashman go a different route and add another ace by trading for San Diego Padres hurler Dylan Cease?—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
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Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is like the relentless sharp in your fantasy league who always seems a step ahead.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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These kinds of issues frequently pave the way for more comprehensive health optimization.—
Nick Kasmik,
USA TODAY,
29 Jan. 2025
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The Vatican has released a comprehensive document offering new guidelines for the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence, with a focus on areas such as warfare and healthcare.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Those areas are ubiquitous and growing, encompassing, according to FEMA, some 190 million acres: California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are the states with the most houses in the WUI.—
Richard Olsen,
Forbes,
26 Jan. 2025
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Now, the style is a wardrobe essential and ubiquitous piece of modern royal dressing.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The job market is always shifting, but staying adaptable gives you the edge.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Influencers are inherently adaptable and quick to pivot to new platforms that offer better opportunities for growth and income.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
WWD,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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As guests research and book travel, AI agents are able to provide sophisticated recommendations that take a generic vacation and turn it into a one-of-a-kind retreat.—
Adam Deflorian,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
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This system is generic enough to be mapped onto any quantum hardware, and it can be made to evolve over time, just as the real-world system does.—
John Timmer,
Ars Technica,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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So, the panoramic mosaic required hundreds of snapshots taken across 1,000 orbits by the telescope, according to a NASA statement.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2025
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Then there’s the panoramic glass sunroof that covers essentially the entire rooftop.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The series, produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, has received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt humor and sharp social commentary.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
22 Jan. 2025
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Given the widespread, global need for upskilling, a concerted effort across public, private and nonprofit sectors around the world is necessary to successfully address the skills gap.—
Guy Diedrich,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near universal
Cite this Entry
“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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