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 Together, these measures improve efficiency even as Japan ensures universal access to medical treatment. — Runchana Pongsaparn, Fortune, 31 July 2026 By the end of the film, the Department of Damage Control has its hands on the universal inhibitor. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026 Long in the works, Vini Reilly’s first album in 16 years distills minimalism, romanticism, and ambient into a sort of universal music. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Watching Jersey Shore was absolutely a universal experience, just ask Drew Starkey. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for universal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for universal

Adjective

Minimal design elements like clean lines and sleek metal feet give the bed versatile appeal, while the upholstery itself layers in just the right amount of warmth, according to Berg.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
This fuss-free pair has it all—plenty of color choices, comfy low heels, and a sleek, versatile design that will easily match any outfit, especially mini skirts and dresses.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of versatile

Adjective

This somewhat surprised me given the general expense of things these days.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Revenue from licensing of shows and films to streaming platforms has softened amid a general industry downturn over the past few years, while other categories of residuals have continued their longer downward trend.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

Lake Station will modernize its comprehensive plan, zoning code, and economic development strategy to unlock development and investment potential.

— Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
The ultimate goal was to establish a permissible exposure limit for humans on the Red Planet by compiling a comprehensive set of expert perspectives regarding Martian dust toxicology, exposure pathways and mitigation strategies.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

There’s no denying the ubiquitous allure to Jo Malone London blends—with a handful of perfumes across six fragrance families, there’s certainly an aroma for everyone.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Only that one day in the mid-aughts, his name was suddenly as ubiquitous as the celebrity who inspired it.

— Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of ubiquitous

Adjective

Efficient sampling—adaptable for rivers, lakes and seas—enables extended feasibility studies for precise ecosystem protection and on-ground mitigation.

— Gamuda Contributor, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
By integrating multiple treatment functions into a single membrane architecture, the approach could provide a framework for creating more efficient and adaptable systems beyond desalination applications.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

It's expected to see declining growth from next year as patents expire and top-selling drugs like its blood thinner Eliquis and cancer medicine Opdivo will start to face generic competition.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Chinese biotech produced little more than cheap generic drugs.

— Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of generic

Adjective

However, du Plessis identifies the crucial challenge of expanding beyond the South Asian diaspora, advocating for widespread visibility in American culture and integrating cricket into schools to foster new fans and local talent.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Although temperatures will fluctuate in the coming days, there is no widespread or lasting break from the heat in sight, with highs well into the 30s Celsius (86-104 F) expected across much of Japan.

— Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

unity

universal

universally

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Universal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/universal. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of universal

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on universal

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

pedagogical

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes