UTTER Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər

Definition of utter next

as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utmost

of the highest degree spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utter

2 of 2

verb

as in to whisper

to send forth using the vocal chords she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to say

to express (a thought or emotion) in words never uttered a single comment at the meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 utter

Adjective

The first wave of generative AI tools has felt like utter magic. —

Peter Guagenti, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 The proof lies in your utter disregard for the law. —

Cody Copeland and, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Comments 1929: the year Popeye made his comic strip debut, Mickey Mouse uttered his first word, and Ernest Hemingway published the landmark novel A Farewell to Arms. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 Jan. 2025 Well, that’s just not a common word uttered by the holidayers dressed in designer kaftans. —

Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter

Adjective

Wolf Blitzer appears with a CNN breaking news update of sheer panic in the trailer (below): The country has been hit with widespread technology outages, computers have been highjacked and there are significant casualties.

— Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Predictably, much has been made of the sheer scale of Trump’s Day One array, but, as ever, the devil lies in the details.

— The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025