utmost
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for utmost, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — The greatest or most extreme possible.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
The greatest or most extreme possible.
“This matter is of the utmost importance.”
Opposites
How to use utmost
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
do one's utmost
of the utmost importance
Etymology
From Old English utmest, from ut ("out") plus the superlative suffix -mest, related to "outmost."
Full origin of utmost →Frequently asked questions
What does “utmost” mean?
The word “utmost” means the greatest or most extreme possible. In plain terms, the greatest possible degree — as much as can be.
How do you pronounce “utmost”?
“Utmost” is pronounced UHT-mohst (/ˈʌtmoʊ̯st/ in IPA).
How do you use “utmost” in a sentence?
Here is “utmost” used in a sentence: “This matter is of the utmost importance.”
What part of speech is “utmost”?
Depending on how it is used, “utmost” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “utmost” come from?
The word “utmost” comes from Old English. From Old English utmest, from ut ("out") plus the superlative suffix -mest, related to "outmost.".
Is “utmost” a common word?
“Utmost” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “utmost” have?
“Utmost” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the greatest or most extreme possible.
What is the difference between utmost and outmost?
Utmost means the greatest or most extreme possible, as in 'of utmost importance,' and is used figuratively to describe degree or extent. Outmost (or outermost) refers to physical position, meaning farthest from the center or edge. The two are unrelated in meaning despite their similar spelling.
What is the difference between utmost and utter?
Utmost describes the greatest possible degree of something, often paired with abstract nouns like importance, care, or respect. Utter emphasizes completeness or totality, as in 'utter silence' or 'utter nonsense,' and does not carry the same sense of maximum degree that utmost conveys.
How is utmost typically used in a sentence structure?
Utmost is most often used as an adjective before a noun, as in 'utmost care' or 'utmost respect,' or as a noun in phrases like 'do one's utmost,' meaning to make the greatest possible effort.
