Universal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl/ uni·ver·sal

Meaning & Definition of Universal

Universal (adjective)

  1. including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially, available equitably to all members of a society
  2. present or occurring everywhere
  3. existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions

Universal (noun)

  1. one that is universal
  2. a universal proposition in logic
  3. a predicable of traditional logic

Universal (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. able to do many different kinds of things

    "a universal wrench"

    similar: adaptable, all-around, protean, versatile
    related: general-purpose, mixed-use, multipurpose, well-rounded, able, ace, adept, experienced, expert, masterful, proficient, skilled, skillful, adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, variable
    near: limited, amateur, inexperienced

  2. belonging or relating to the whole

    "mankind's universal need for affection"

    similar: across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, generic, global, overall
    related: all-embracing, broad, broad-gauge, broadscale, comprehensive, extensive, inclusionary, overarching, pervasive, sweeping, ubiquitous, wholesale, wide, widespread, aggregate, collective, complete, full, plenary, planetary, worldwide
    opposite: individual, particular
    near: component, constituent, cross-sectional, divisional, fragmentary, partial, local, localized, regional, sectional

  3. 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"

    similar: all-embracing, all-in (chiefly British), all-inclusive, broad-gauge, compendious, complete, comprehensive, cover-all, cyclopedic, embracive, encyclopedic, exhaustive, full, global, in-depth, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, thorough
    related: broad, catholic, encyclical, general, inclusionary, overall, cosmic, extensive, far, far-reaching, grand, large, panoptic, sweeping, vast, wide, wide-ranging, blanket, indiscriminate, unrestricted
    near: circumscribed, limited, narrow, restricted, specialized, exact, precise, individual, singular, specific, incomplete, patchy, sketchy

  4. 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"

    similar: omnipresent, ubiquitous, wall-to-wall
    related: boundless, endless, fathomless, horizonless, illimitable, immeasurable, immensurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited, extensive, far-flung, widespread
    near: bounded, circumscribed, confined, finite, limited, measured, narrow, restricted

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Universal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Universal:

Chiefly British: all-in
adaptable, all-around, protean, versatile, across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, generic, global, overall, all-embracing, all-inclusive, broad-gauge, compendious, complete, comprehensive, cover-all, cyclopedic, embracive, encyclopedic, exhaustive, full, in-depth, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, thorough, omnipresent, ubiquitous, wall-to-wall

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Universal

Words with the opposite meaning of Universal:

individual, particular

Related Words for Universal

general-purpose, mixed-use, multipurpose, well-rounded, able, ace, adept, experienced, expert, masterful, proficient, skilled, skillful, adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, variable, broad, broadscale, extensive, inclusionary

Near Antonyms of Universal

limited, amateur, inexperienced, component, constituent, cross-sectional, divisional, fragmentary, partial, local, localized, regional, sectional, circumscribed, narrow, restricted, specialized, exact, precise, singular, specific, incomplete, patchy, sketchy, bounded, confined, finite, measured

Word Forms of Universal

Derived words: universally (adverb), universalness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Universal

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Universal

Words & Phrases Containing Universal

universal donor, universal grammar, universal joint, universal motor, Universal Product Code, universal recipient, universal resource locator, Universal Serial Bus

Frequently Asked Questions about Universal

What does "Universal" mean?

"Universal" means including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially, available equitably to all members of a society. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially, available equitably to all members of a society. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Universal"?

Other words for "Universal" include adaptable, all-around, protean, versatile, across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush and common. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Universal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Universal"?

There are 101 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Universal". Common alternatives include adaptable, all-around, protean, versatile, across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general and generic.

What is the opposite of "Universal"?

Antonyms of "Universal" include individual and particular. Near antonyms include limited, amateur, inexperienced and component.

How do you use "Universal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Universal" in a sentence: "a universal wrench"; "mankind's universal need for affection"; "the genius of Leonardo da Vinci was universal: he was an artist, an architect, an engineer, and a scientist, among other things".

Is "Universal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Universal" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Universal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Universal" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Universal"?

"Universal" is pronounced /ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl/ and divided into syllables as uni·ver·sal.