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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
That the defendants filed their meritless motion on the anniversary of Michael Crichton’s death is emblematic of the studio’s callousness and utter disregard for Crichton’s legacy. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 The two campaigns’ robust travel schedules are a result in part of the race’s utter unpredictability — and the extreme closeness of the polling in many states. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
Dedicated fans stood ten toes down to secure their seats and hung on to every word of their reality favs uttered. Akili King, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024 Incidentally, Gutierrez must surely now hold the show’s record for most f-words emphatically uttered in a single diatribe, and that’s saying something. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 Nov. 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
  • With these occasions making up a sometimes significant portion of a nonprofit’s revenue, hosting the right kind of fundraising event and attracting the right audience is of utmost importance.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
  • Good manners and etiquette might be of utmost importance to Southerners, but those are easy enough to learn via lessons with your mother and a trusty Emily Post book.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The same way that our culture has taught us to whisper about our periods and hide our tampons—despite the fact that our menstrual cycles perpetuate our species—new mothers are culturally guided to hide the more brutal details of childbirth.
    Krista Vernoff, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The faux poster was an alteration to the official Universal Pictures marketing materials in which Elphaba’s full face is on display as Glinda (Ariana Grande) whispers in her ear.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Salmon said Lester couldn't assist in his own defense in the criminal case.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Another key limitation, Hall and Manson said, was the lack of a true placebo group.
    Simon Spichak, Health, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The trickiest part of roasting the absolute tastiest turkey is brining it.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
  • However, the absolute locations of their beds tend to vary.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Compared to animal leather, Elevate emits 95 percent fewer greenhouse gases, uses 93 percent less water and 72 percent less energy, according to the company’s data.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens emitted 1.5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere while its pyroclastic lava flow incinerated virtually everything within a 230-square-mile radius.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 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
  • Results will be updated daily at 5 p.m., except weekends, until the counting is complete.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 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 1 Dec. 2024.

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