Synonyms of use

use 1 of 2

verb

ˈyüz 

1

as in to utilize

to put into action or service

I will need to use the large hammer for this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utilize
• apply
• exploit
• employ
• harness
• operate
• exercise
• draw on
• make use of
• wield
• manipulate
• handle
• bring to bear
• work
• direct
• run
• reuse
• recycle
• cannibalize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

2

as in to treat

to behave toward in a stated way

the factory workers were underpaid and poorly used by their employers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treat
• handle
• serve
• be (to)
• act (toward)
• deal (with)
• regard
• consider
• view
• respond (to)
• engage (with)
• react (to)
• do by
• rate
• reckon
• esteem

3

as in to exploit

to take unfair advantage of

I was paying for everything on our little outing, and I was starting to feel like I was being used

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exploit
• leverage
• abuse
• manipulate
• play (on or upon)
• impose (on or upon)
• walk on
• pimp
• work
• trade on
• capitalize (on)
• milk
• cash in (on)
• cheat
• mistreat
• stick
• commercialize
• soak
• jerk around
• skin
• bleed
• overcharge
• commodify
• fleece

use

2 of 2

noun

ˈyüs 

1

as in application

the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose

the use of boom boxes is strictly prohibited in the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

• application
• exercise
• usage
• operation
• play
• employment
• reuse
• exertion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disuse
• nonuse

2

as in usefulness

the capacity for being useful for some purpose

the broken grill isn't going to be of much use in cooking the hamburgers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• usefulness
• avail
• utility
• help
• service
• benefit
• assistance
• advantage
• mileage
• value
• account
• serviceability
• gain
• serviceableness
• aid
• applicability
• relevance
• profit
• appropriateness
• worth
• fitness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uselessness
• worthlessness
• inapplicability
• inappropriateness

3

as in liking

positive regard for something

I have no use for slackers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liking
• like
• preference
• love
• appetite
• taste
• tendency
• craving
• relish
• fancy
• love affair
• fondness
• desire
• enthusiasm
• favor
• shine
• thirst
• partiality
• interest
• inclination
• longing
• propensity
• weakness
• bias
• passion
• prejudice
• hankering
• tooth
• gusto
• bent
• yen
• palate
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hatred
• dislike
• disgust
• distaste
• aversion
• loathing
• disfavor
• disinclination
• indifference
• apathy
• mislike
• unconcern

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use have much in common, 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

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use have much in common, 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

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of use

Verb

The threat renewed concerns that Tehran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic. —Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026

Fourteen percent of Republican respondents approved of a large-scale invasion, while 63% supported using limited special forces. —James Powel, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026

Noun

But instead of declining, water use increased, at times by 200,000 to 300,000 gallons per day. —Jamie Leary, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

Indeed, traffic jams in Paris have risen 4% since 2015, while public transport has also taken a hit, with bus use dropping by 31% between 2018 and 2024. —Lisa Courbebaisse, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing use

• make use of
• use up