universal character; universality.
a universal range of knowledge, interests, or activities.
(initial capital letter) the doctrine that emphasizes the universal fatherhood of God and the final salvation of all souls.
a universal feature or characteristic
another word for universality
social welfare the principle that welfare services should be available to all by right, according to need, and not restricted by individual ability to pay, but funded by general contributions through taxes, rates, or national insurance payments
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is a repudiation of cosmopolitan universalism in favor of historical continuity and particular identity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026
“They will be Palestinian New Yorkers in Bay Ridge who will no longer have to contend with a politics that speaks of universalism and then makes them the exception.”
From Slate • Jan. 3, 2026
Brustein’s universalism grew ornerier and more claustrophobic with age.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2023
France does not keep any data on race and ethnicity as part of its doctrine of colorblind universalism — an approach purporting to see everyone as equal citizens.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023
It was the first real step to such universalism as Christianity has attained.
From Flowers of Freethought (Second Series) by Foote, G. W. (George William)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
