employ 1 of 2

Definition of employnext

employ

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb employ contrast with its synonyms?

The words use and utilize are common synonyms of employ. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged.

looking for better ways to employ their skills

Where would use be a reasonable alternative to employ?

Although the words use and employ have much in common, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of employ?

While the synonyms utilize and employ are close in meaning, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of employ
Verb
Ukrainian drones often cost hundreds of dollars to employ yet routinely destroy equipment worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Hunter Lacroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026 The system is intended to provide warships with a dedicated layer of protection against unmanned threats, reducing the need to employ high-value surface-to-air missiles against relatively inexpensive targets. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
Noun
After the princess’s longtime stylist, Natasha Archer, departed Kate’s employ last summer, Kate hasn’t hired a stylist to replace her. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 June 2026 Elayyat is the Deputy Director of Self-Sufficiency Services for the county's Health and Human Services Agency, and has been in the county's employ for six years, per 10 News. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for employ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for employ
Verb
  • In June 2025, the university also announced a hiring freeze and paused annual pay increases, citing uncertainty in funding sources.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • In April, Anthropic was also hiring for a data center deal sourcing role in the country.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • That agreement set a 60-day period for negotiations on key issues, including the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Iran wants to use it for military purposes, a claim the country denies.
    Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • The individuals said the restoration will help ensure the organizations can use the model for defensive cyber purposes.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • But beyond public perception, USCIS, the agency that processes petitions for employment authorizations, green card and citizenship applications, has been impacted by the early 2025 workforce cuts.
    Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Upon learning of the investigation, the district immediately placed him on administrative leave and subsequently terminated his employment.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Then how come others keep recruiting them?
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • However, some remained in the jungle and recruited more fighters to form a new generation of rebel groups.
    John Otis, NPR, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Staying close to the start line and utilizing transit options will help ensure a smooth and stress-free race morning.
    Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
  • At its intimate factory, Crystal expanded its rooftop solar installation beyond the contract demand to fully utilize the available rooftop space.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Another big moment in the finale is Tom and Mary finally getting engaged and married off-screen.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026
  • Nonprofit leaders often spend much of their time engaging externally—with donors, policymakers, partners and community stakeholders.
    Tiara Green, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Neel said many community members have made preparations in anticipation of the ruling, including applying for asylum.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • An economist that the city hired estimates that the tax increase will add $500 to $650 annually in taxes for the average family of four, despite the sales tax not being applied to groceries or medical supplies.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • So far, there are no reports of the usbliter8 bug being exploited in the wild.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 21 June 2026
  • However, Nawrocki is a nationalist politician who has exploited anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral gain.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Employ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/employ. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on employ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster