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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

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 world watched in utter shock as Tiger’s pristine image unraveled amid revelations of marital indiscretions. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 Juxtaposed with the shots of the children cheerfully collecting these portraits are the scenes of the utter devastation wrought by the war between Hamas and the Israel Defense Forces, which the United Nations says has claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Palestinians. Don Riddell, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
The sound bites and hundreds of thousands of social-media impressions typically generated by such stop-and-greet interactions: canceled before they can ever be uttered. Chris Lee, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 His name was never uttered in any of the pre-tournament press conferences or in the buildup to the event. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
Adjective
  • But the sheer volume of options in our modern world—especially in digital spheres such as online shopping, streaming services and mobile applications—can overcome the satisfaction of making these choices.
    Uriel Maslansky, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • But sheer athleticism won’t turn him into a celebrity, and his demeanor doesn’t endear him to people—Majors plays Maddox as a sullen and tightly wound outcast whose environment shapes his isolation.
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Selecting the right wood was also of the utmost importance.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including national security adviser Mike Waltz.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than shouting ‘luxury’, The Lana whispers it.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Immigration officer engages my children in chit chat then whispers to them ‘Are these your Mum and Dad?’ .
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • White House officials said the calculations came from the Council of Economic Advisers.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The rebel group said the convoy had reported its route to the military, which a junta spokesman disputed to state-run MRTV.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Donald Trump has made similarly absolute statements on taxation as did George H. W. Bush.
    The Editors, National Review, 1 Apr. 2025
  • With no clear signs of downside exhaustion in our indicators, either in absolute or relative terms, further weakness and underperformance appears likely for Japanese equities in the near term.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers are still trying to investigate why exactly the rig shark emits these sounds.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
  • These very bright devices can emit upwards of 10,000 lux, designed to mimic a sunny day and help with symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • File: Elon Musk, right and Antonio Gracias speak during a town hall Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis.
    Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Neither Obama or Harris have spoken much publicly since Election Day in 2024.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There's a private treatment room, complete with twin massage beds, a sauna and a steam room.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • While there, riders enter a recreation of the Ministry's iconic atrium, surrounded by offices and glistening green walls, and complete with a full-scale replica of the Fountain of Magical Brethren seen in the movies.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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