versatile
adjective
ver·sa·tile
| \ ˈvər-sə-tᵊl
, especially British -ˌtī(-ə)l
\
, especially British -ˌtī(-ə)l
\
Definition of versatile
1
: embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills
also
: turning with ease from one thing to another
2
: having many uses or applications
versatile building material
3
: changing or fluctuating readily : variable
a versatile disposition
4a(1)
: capable of turning forward or backward : reversible
a versatile toe of a bird
(2)
: capable of moving laterally and up and down
versatile antennae
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Other Words from versatile
versatilely
\ ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-(l)ē
, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē \
adverb
, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē \
adverb
versatileness
\ ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-nəs
, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs \
noun
, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs \
noun
Synonyms for versatile
Synonyms
adaptable, all-around (also all-round), protean, universal
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Examples of versatile in a Sentence
Horses stand apart because of their versatile roles in human society, which came to include dairy production, transportation, haulage, plowing, sports, warfare, religion, and status.
— Sandra L. Olsen, Natural History, May 2008
Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile.
— Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008
Adobos are the Philippines' most beloved, and most versatile, dishes. They consist of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables (such as okra and eggplant) slow-cooked in an aromatic broth of vinegar or coconut milk, garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, and, sometimes, soy sauce until virtually all the liquid has evaporated.
— Amy Besa, Saveur, December 2008
This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to three scientists for their work on a versatile strategy for synthesizing all manner of novel chemical compounds in an environmentally friendly way. … The three scientists focused on a reaction called metathesis …
— A. Cunningham, Science News, 15 Oct. 2005
Within weeks [Gerd] Binnig, then 38 and with an infant daughter, worked with a colleague to build a prototype for what has become one of the most versatile scientific tools ever created: the atomic force microscope, or AFM.
— Ivan Amato, Fortune, 14 June 2004
She is a versatile athlete who participates in many different sports.
A pocketknife is a versatile tool.
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Recent Examples on the Web
These handy tools are versatile and can be used in a variety of circumstances to make sure your car is running smoothly. — Max Cohen, USA TODAY, "Hitting the road? Packing these 10 simple things could save your life," 31 Aug. 2019 Out of the variety of sofa styles now on the market, the fainting couch is surprisingly versatile. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "Everything You Need to Know About a Fainting Couch," 23 Aug. 2019 Evans again will be a versatile weapon for Scott and company at a number of different positions. — Ben Thomas | [email protected], al, "Class 7A No. 3 McGill-Toolen ready to bounce back after ‘disappointing’ 9-3 season," 16 Aug. 2019 The fruit is known for being highly versatile, picking up the terrior of whatever soil it's grown in to produce distinctive regional flavors. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Everything You Need to Know About Chardonnay," 5 Aug. 2019 The Craftsman Premium Hybrid Rubber hose is versatile with features similar to more expensive models. — Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Garden Hoses for More Than Just Your Garden," 16 July 2019 Not to say Sheeran can't be versatile -- the 28-year-old Grammy winner didn't come by all this acclaim from half-baked auto-tune. — CNN, "Ed Sheeran teases his new project 'No. 6' and half of the music industry is on it," 18 June 2019 In fact, predicting a future Heat lineup with Bol on the roster is scary defensively, and fairly versatile offensively, with a lot of length all around: Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Derrick Jones Jr., Bam Adebayo and Bol. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "ASK IRA: Should the Heat roll in the draft with Bol Bol?," 16 June 2019 All four players project as versatile weapons in the offense who can be moved around the field. — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football's top-10 2020 recruiting class: 5 thoughts on frantic activity," 23 Mar. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'versatile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for versatile
versatile
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of versatile
: able to do many different things
: having many different uses
See the full definition for versatile in the English Language Learners Dictionary
versatile
adjective
ver·sa·tile
| \ ˈvər-sə-tᵊl
\
\
Kids Definition of versatile
1
: able to do many different kinds of things
2
: having many uses
a versatile tool
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