Complete vs. Utter — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 7, 2023
"Complete" refers to something being whole or finished, while "utter" emphasizes totality or expresses to speak. Both words can denote "absolute," but in different contexts.
Difference Between Complete and Utter
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The words Complete and Utter both have associations with totality, but they are used differently in the English language.
Complete generally pertains to something being whole, finished, or lacking in nothing. For instance, when we say a task is complete, it means no further work is required. This word suggests a sense of finality and completion.
Utter, on the other hand, is often used to emphasize the entirety or extremity of a situation. It's a word that amplifies the degree of something. Additionally, "utter" can also mean to express vocally. So, while you can have utter joy, you can also utter a sentence.
In essence, while both Complete and Utter can denote something absolute or entire, "complete" leans more towards completeness and "utter" towards emphasis or vocal expression.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Being whole or finished
Emphasizing totality or expressing vocally
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Usage
Adjective, verb
Adjective, verb
Context
Finality, completion
Extremity, emphasis
Example Phrase
Complete task
Utter joy
Secondary Meaning
Absolute, total
Absolute, entire
Compare with Definitions
Complete
Whole, lacking nothing.
The collection is complete with every edition included.
Utter
To put into circulation (commonly used with "coin").
The suspect was caught trying to utter counterfeit bills.
Complete
Absolute or total.
He had complete confidence in his team.
Utter
Total; unqualified.
She looked at him in utter disbelief.
Complete
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
Utter
Complete; absolute
Charlotte stared at her in utter amazement
Complete
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
Utter
Make (a sound) with one's voice
He uttered an exasperated snort
Complete
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
Utter
Put (forged money) into circulation.
Complete
Absolute; thorough
Complete control.
A complete mystery.
Utter
To send forth with the voice
Uttered a cry.
Complete
Accomplished; consummate
A complete musician.
Utter
To articulate (words); pronounce or speak
Uttered "yes.".
Complete
(Football) Caught in bounds by a receiver
A complete pass.
Utter
(Law) To put (counterfeit currency or a forged check or instrument) into circulation
Utter a bad check.
Complete
To bring to a finish or an end
She has completed her studies.
Utter
(Obsolete) To offer (merchandise) for sale; sell.
Complete
To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
Utter
Complete; absolute; entire
Utter nonsense.
Utter darkness.
Complete
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
Utter
Outer; furthest out, most remote.
Complete
(ambitransitive) To finish; to make done; to reach the end.
He completed the assignment on time.
Utter
(obsolete) Outward.
Complete
(transitive) To make whole or entire.
The last chapter completes the book nicely.
Utter
Absolute, unconditional, total, complete.
Utter ruin; utter darkness
Complete
(poker) To call from the small blind in an unraised pot.
Utter
(transitive) To produce (speech or other sounds) with one's voice.
Don't you utter another word!
Complete
With all parts included; with nothing missing; full.
My life will be complete once I buy this new television.
She offered me complete control of the project.
After she found the rook, the chess set was complete.
Utter
(transitive) To reveal or express (an idea, thought, desire, etc.) with speech.
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed.
When your homework is complete, you can go and play with Martin.
Utter
To produce (a noise) (of an inanimate object).
Sally's car uttered a hideous shriek when she applied the brakes.
Complete
Generic intensifier.
He is a complete bastard!
It was a complete shock when he turned up on my doorstep.
Our vacation was a complete disaster.
Utter
To spit or blow (something) out of one's mouth.
Complete
In which every Cauchy sequence converges to a point within the space.
Utter
To emit or give off (breath).
Complete
In which every set with a lower bound has a greatest lower bound.
Utter
To shed (a tear or tears).
Complete
In which all small limits exist.
Utter
To offer (something) for sale; to sell.
Complete
In which every semantically valid well-formed formula is provable.
Utter
To put (currency) into circulation.
Complete
That is in a given complexity class and is such that every other problem in the class can be reduced to it (usually in polynomial time or logarithmic space).
Utter
To show (something that has been hidden); to reveal the identity of (someone).
Complete
Filled up; with no part or element lacking; free from deficiency; entire; perfect; consummate.
Ye are complete in him.
That thou, dead corse, again in complete steelRevisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon.
Utter
To send or put (something) out.
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed; as, the edifice is complete.
This course of vanity almost complete.
Utter
To commit the crime of uttering knowingly presenting forged documentation.
Complete
Having all the parts or organs which belong to it or to the typical form; having calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil.
Utter
Outer.
As doth an hidden mothThe inner garment fret, not th' utter touch.
Complete
To bring to a state in which there is no deficiency; to perfect; to consummate; to accomplish; to fulfill; to finish; as, to complete a task, or a poem; to complete a course of education.
Bred only and completed to the tasteOf lustful appetence.
And, to complete her bliss, a fool for mate.
Utter
Situated on the outside, or extreme limit; remote from the center; outer.
Through utter and through middle darkness borne.
The very utter part pf Saint Adelmes point is five miles from Sandwich.
Complete
Come or bring to a finish or an end;
He finished the dishes
She completed the requirements for her Master's Degree
The fastest runner finished the race in just over 2 hours; others finished in over 4 hours
Utter
Complete; perfect; total; entire; absolute; as, utter ruin; utter darkness.
They . . . are utter strangers to all those anxious thoughts which disquiet mankind.
Complete
Bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements;
A child would complete the family
Utter
Peremptory; unconditional; unqualified; final; as, an utter refusal or denial.
Complete
Complete or carry out;
Discharge one's duties
Utter
To put forth or out; to reach out.
How bragly [proudly] it begins to bud,And utter his tender head.
Complete
Complete a pass
Utter
To dispose of in trade; to sell or vend.
Such mortal drugs I have, but Mantua's lawIs death to any he that utters them.
They bring it home, and utter it commonly by the name of Newfoundland fish.
Complete
Write all the required information onto a form;
Fill out this questionnaire, please!
Make out a form
Utter
Hence, to put in circulation, as money; to put off, as currency; to cause to pass in trade; - often used, specifically, of the issue of counterfeit notes or coins, forged or fraudulent documents, and the like; as, to utter coin or bank notes.
The whole kingdom should continue in a firm resolution never to receive or utter this fatal coin.
Complete
Having every necessary or normal part or component or step;
A complete meal
A complete wardrobe
A complete set pf the Britannica
A complete set of china
A complete defeat
A complete accounting
An incomplete flower
Utter
To give public expression to; to disclose; to publish; to speak; to pronounce.
The words I utterLet none think flattery, for they 'll find 'em truth.
And the last words he uttered called me cruel.
Complete
Perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities;
A complete gentleman
Consummate happiness
A consummate performance
Utter
Articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise;
She expressed her anger
He uttered a curse
Complete
Having all four whorls or principal parts--sepals and petals and stamens and carpels (or pistils);
Complete flowers
Utter
Express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words);
She let out a big heavy sigh
He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand
Complete
Highly skilled;
An accomplished pianist
A complete musician
Utter
Express in speech;
She talks a lot of nonsense
This depressed patient does not verbalize
Complete
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
Utter
Put into circulation;
Utter counterfeit currency
Complete
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Utter
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
Complete
Finished or concluded.
The project is complete and ready for review.
Utter
Total;
Dead silence
Utter seriousness
Complete
To make whole or perfect.
He worked hard to complete his degree.
Utter
To express vocally.
He chose not to utter a word during the meeting.
Complete
Unqualified or unconditional.
She gave her complete support to the cause.
Utter
Complete; absolute.
It was an utter disaster.
Utter
Emit or send forth.
He would utter cries of joy.
Common Curiosities
Can both words indicate absoluteness?
Yes, both "complete" and "utter" can denote something absolute or entire.
What does "complete" primarily mean?
"Complete" primarily refers to something being whole or finished.
Does "utter" always refer to speaking?
No, "utter" can also emphasize the entirety or extremity of a situation.
Is "complete" only used as an adjective?
No, "complete" can also be used as a verb, meaning to finish or make whole.
Which word implies a sense of finality?
"Complete" implies a sense of finality or completion.
Is "complete" related to perfection?
Yes, "complete" can refer to something being perfect or lacking in nothing.
Can "utter" be synonymous with "emit"?
Yes, "utter" can mean to emit or send forth, like uttering a sound.
Which word should I use to describe finishing a task?
Use "complete" to describe finishing a task, as in "the task is complete."
Can "utter" be used to express speaking out?
Yes, to "utter" can mean to express something vocally.
How does "utter" emphasize a situation?
"Utter" amplifies the degree or extremity of a situation.
Which word is more versatile in terms of parts of speech?
Both "complete" and "utter" are versatile, being used as both adjectives and verbs.
Can "complete" denote total support?
Yes, saying "complete support" means unqualified or unconditional support.
In what context might "utter" relate to currency?
"Utter" can mean to put counterfeit currency into circulation.
Can I use "utter" to express strong feelings?
Yes, "utter" can be used to emphasize strong feelings, as in "utter joy."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
