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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
There are two stories here, one about Ubisoft and one about the larger market. 2024 has been an utter disaster for Ubisoft. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 But President Kennedy read the word optimistically and approved the invasion, which was an utter fiasco and pushed Cuba even further into Soviet influence. David Spiegelhalter, WIRED, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
For some reason, returning to their roots in Lallybroch, the place where Jamie and Claire first uttered their love for one another, Claire feels led to tell his family about her secrets. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024 The same players who preached patience last season have no choice but to utter similar refrains now. Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • Working in this season's favor was the sheer unpredictability from week to week in terms of who was aligned with whom and what would happen at Tribal Council.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The Rare Beauty founder also added on sheer black tights and a pair of cap-toe mary jane platforms.
    Hannah Malach, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Leave it to Victoria Beckham to do so with the utmost elegance and aplomb.
    Nuria Luis, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The safety and security of all our patrons are of the utmost importance to us.
    Jamie Barton, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Because with her, an outfit always whispers elegance.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Revelations are found within interactions between characters who end up in small configurations — pairs or trios — to whisper about what’s really going on.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • He is believed to have traveled to New York City by bus in late November, and later arrived in Altoona by Greyhound from Philadelphia, investigators said.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Neighbors who spoke with local news outlets said the baby’s 17-year-old sister had been watching the toddler at the time of the house fire.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Since MicroStrategy is willing to relentlessly grow its absolute size by issuing stock and buying BTC, it will be entitled to a greater share of index flows in the long run.
    Edan Yago, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The University of Washington product took his team to the College Football Playoff National Championship game last year and has an absolute cannon for an arm.
    Ross Terrell, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Data centers and transmission networks worldwide are already responsible for emitting as much carbon dioxide annually as Brazil, according to the IEA, and that number is expected to rise as AI use grows.
    Heiko Claussen, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Eyewitness reports, social media videos and officials confirm the drones are up to 6 feet in diameter, can quickly go from emitting eerie lights to no light at all and often avoid detection.
    Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In an interview with TIME in May, the Rare Beauty founder, 31, spoke about her relationship with the music producer, 36, noting that if the two hadn't met, her future plans included adopting a baby a few years down the road.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Tisdale spoke with her hair colorist, who encouraged her to get in touch with a dermatologist who could provide more clarity about what was going on.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump allies had been concerned that a successful effort to derail Hegseth’s candidacy would empower opposition to other nominees, undermining his projections of complete dominance of the party.
    Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Seven have died in Broward since 2000, the earliest date with complete data.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near utter

Cite this Entry

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

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