utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər How to pronounce utter (audio)
Definition of utternext
1
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in utmost
of the highest degree spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utter

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to whisper
to send forth using the vocal cords she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
Exile, madness, utter loneliness — these are the only alternatives Mr. Fugard’s characters have. —Carmel Dagan, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025 In utter disbelief, June responds by getting out of line and following the voice calling her name. —EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
That is the one word uttered most often about Wade, a guy who started at six positions but in just 38 games in 2024, his first season with the Padres. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 They have also been prohibited from uttering religious, political, or personal statements without the FIA's consent. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
  1. sheer
  2. utmost
  3. whisper
  4. say
  5. absolute
  6. emit
  7. speak
  8. complete
Adjective
  • Characterized by sheer white tones with a glossy finish, the milky nail look supplies a more natural look.
    — Taylor Anderson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In addition, the sheer number of new projects is overwhelming power system operators’ ability to evaluate them, leading to increasing wait times for new generation to come online.
    — Erin Baker, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • Page > Sub-Page schema is of the utmost importance here.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • First impressions start before guests even walk through the front door, which means having your landscape shipshape is of the utmost importance.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of utmost
Verb
  • Just look at the recent scrutiny of Michelle Obama, who faced months of rumors and divorce whispers for simply choosing to bow out of certain aspects of public life.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Devastated by the carnage around him and the heart-wrenching duty of telling his quasi-stepson, Jake (Taj Speights), that his girlfriend (Sloan Mannino) died in the shooting, Robby sank to the floor of the pediatrics room, sobbing and whispering the Shema prayer to himself.
    — Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • The once-daily version of the pill was in early-stage testing, with researchers trying to figure out the best dose for patients, a spokeswoman said.
    — Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities with State Police Troop C in Gray, Louisiana, said Lacy fled the scene of the accident without calling for help.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of say
Adjective
  • But the most viral clips from the show often trend for making either the suitor — or the singles — absolute fools online.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Mayor’s ball is an absolute feast for the senses; the black-and-white costumes, the massive number of performers, the layout and possibility of the space.
    — Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of absolute
Verb
  • This signal made the initial detection exciting: on a planet that may have a massive ocean, there is likely a gas that is, on Earth, emitted by biological organisms.
    — Daniel Apai, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Far-infrared light, associated with longer wavelengths than what even the James Webb Space Telescope can see, is emitted by cosmic dust that has absorbed starlight.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of emit
Verb
  • Tools trained on their past work begin to speak in their voice, write their strategy decks, answer their emails, and craft their public messaging.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Victor’s family told the AP that barely any of the officers spoke to nearby family members before firing.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of speak
Adjective
  • Newsom's office told Fox News Digital that the risk assessment will be complete on June 13, 2025.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • More news to know now Jury selection is complete in the second murder trial of Karen Read.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

utopias
utter
utterance
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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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