American English
/ˈə.ɾɚz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: utter
to produce a sound, especially a short cry, without saying a full message
Practice out loudto produce a sound, especially a short cry, without saying a full message
The baby uttered a soft cry.
He opened his mouth but could not utter a sound.
Utter is formal; in everyday conversation, say is usually more natural.
utter a cry · utter a sound · utter a word
subject + utter + a sound/cry
subject + cannot/could not + utter + a sound
to say something aloud, especially to express a thought, feeling, or message
She did not utter a word during the interview.
He uttered a quiet apology.
utter an apology · utter a threat · utter a sentence
subject + utter + something
subject + utter + an apology/threat
complete or total; used to add strong emphasis
The machine stopped in utter silence.
Missing the deadline was an utter disaster.
Utter normally comes before a thing or idea; utterly normally comes before a describing word.
utter nonsense · utter silence · utter disaster · utter disbelief
utter + noun
to say anything
He did not utter a word during the meeting.
to say or write things that are completely foolish or untrue
That theory is utter nonsense.
with no sound at all
We walked home in utter silence.