utter

Complete or extreme, used to emphasize how strong something is.

• That is utter nonsense.
• The room fell into utter silence.
• Their attempt to fix the roof was an utter disaster.

Similar words: complete, total, absolute

Opposites: partial

Common phrases: utter nonsense, utter failure, utter chaos

To say words or make a sound with your voice.

• He did not utter a word.
• She uttered a small cry of surprise.
• Have you ever heard him utter her name?

Similar words: say, speak, voice

Common phrases: utter a word, utter a cry, utter something aloud

To offer a fake document or money as if it were real.

• He tried to utter a forged check.
• She was charged with uttering counterfeit money.
• The court heard that he had uttered several false documents.

Similar words: pass off

Common phrases: utter forged documents, utter counterfeit money

To produce a sound, especially when describing an object as if it were alive.

• The old door uttered a groan.
• The engine uttered a strange cough and stopped.
• As the brakes tightened, the wheels uttered a sharp shriek.

Similar words: emit, produce

Common phrases: utter a groan, utter a shriek