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utter

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word utter distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of utter are air, broach, express, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When is air a more appropriate choice than utter?

In some situations, the words air and utter are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

In what contexts can broach take the place of utter?

The synonyms broach and utter are sometimes interchangeable, but broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to utter?

The words express and utter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When might vent be a better fit than utter?

While in some cases nearly identical to utter, vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When would voice be a good substitute for utter?

The meanings of voice and utter largely overlap; however, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

Examples 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 utter
Adjective
The utter devastation of both Helene and Milton has created a breeding ground for political disillusionment and paranoia. Jessica Pishko, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2024 To watch baseball or any other sport is to confront the fundamental unpredictability of the universe, its utter refusal to bend to your wishes, no matter how fervent. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024
Verb
Governed by red-hot Mars and polarizing Pluto, Scorpios possess a presence that commands attention without uttering a single word. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Nary a word was uttered about public education on either the presidential or vice-presidential debate stages. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • The sheer scale of phones used in the study let the researchers correct individual bias by comparing the devices against each other.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The sheer number of cyclists snarled traffic and prompted restrictions by the city's tourism-hungry officials, who had encouraged them to come.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Years after dazzling in primetime by covering herself in fake blood, Gaga had graced the Oscars stage with utmost elegance, capable of evolving her talents and becoming a stately pop spokeswoman.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Collaborating with artists on her pieces is also of the utmost importance to her to serve as a voice for Africa.
    Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Tree limbs whispered in the night wind as if urging them on.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Luckily, just in time, Nick whispers the one word in the (British) English language that instantly turns back the clock.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In August, the FBI reviewed credit card statements associated with Williams that showed payment at a parking near a Washington metro station, about a 10-minute ride from the Capitol area, that was made on Jan. 6, 2021, the statements of facts says.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The National Retail Federation says that import surcharges could soar to 50% for everything from jeans to couches.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Lucifer does both with aplomb, with Tom Ellis having the absolute time of his life as the Literal Devil, and Lauren German as the cop who is literally immune to his charms.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Content by this author: Out-of-Control Immigration With the U.S. economy soaring, few care that immigration to the United States is at its highest absolute levels.
    James O. Goldsborough, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Methane, which has 86 times the warming impact of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, is largely emitted by fracking.
    Li Cohen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Companies like Microsoft are among the few leading the charge by planning to remove all of the carbon the company has emitted directly or through electricity consumption since its founding in 1975, but many industries have yet to follow suit.
    Rob van Straten, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Local leaders were hesitant to speak at length about the congresswoman, wary of the perception that they would be seen as pressuring a reluctant candidate into running — which is how former Rep. Ron Dellums’ mayoral tenure is often remembered.
    Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Mikko Rantanen spoke bluntly about Nichushkin, saying the quiet part out loud.
    Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The company continues to evaluate avenues for mitigating internal control weaknesses but has deemed complete mitigation impractical due to its limited staff size.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The two-guest home, complete with a full kitchen, is surrounded by the charming Cady Hill Forest, home to over 11 miles of trails—and a profusion of color when the leaves change each fall.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near utter

Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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