universal

[yoo-nuh-vur-suhl] / ˌyu nəˈvɜr səl /

ADJECTIVE

worldwide, entire

Synonyms

STRONGEST

broad common comprehensive extensive global prevalent ubiquitous unlimited

STRONG

catholic cosmopolitan empyrean general generic regular sweeping total whole

WEAK

accepted all all over all-embracing all-inclusive astronomical celestial cosmic customary diffuse ecumenical multinational mundane omnipresent planetary stellar terrestrial undisputed unrestricted usual widespread worldly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

limited narrow rare restricted scarce uncommon

STRONG

abnormal exclusive extraordinary incomplete individual partial particular specific unusual

WEAK

confined local

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This was certainly reinforced by the universal condemnation heaped upon then-Rep.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Evidence does not support universal supplementation for all older adults.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

France President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to "a great artist who transformed an Iranian childhood into a universal fable".

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Satrapi, saying she was "a great artist who turned her Iranian childhood into a universal tale".

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Ultimately, one tends to avoid him, for the universal characteristic of children is to assume that they have a monopoly on trouble, and therefore a monopoly on you.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

Vocabulary lists containing universal

Power Prefix: uni-

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Four Power Prefixes: anti-, con-, inter-, and uni-.

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Vocabulary to Describe Literary Devices

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!