use 1 of 2

1
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

3

use

2 of 2

noun

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

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 use
Verb
Fireside then allegedly used the account to take out $29,000, which went to repay a loan given to her by a state representative. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025 Notably, these engravings would need to be made in reverse of how the markings would look when it was used. Serdar Yalçin, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
The lawsuits before the Supreme Court—brought by importers and small manufacturers—claim the president’s sweeping use of emergency powers violates congressional authority to tax and regulate trade. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025 San Diego updates its development code annually in a large batch, making changes to regulations for the development and use of property including zoning and subdivisions. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Advertisement The Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health utilized satellite images to corroborate the scene, as well as a previously unreported potential mass killing at an RSF detention site at the former Children’s Hospital.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In Africa, operators of Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSO) are utilizing robust cameras with early warning capabilities to help improve situational awareness in hazardous environments.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Carrig and her newborn baby were pronounced dead at the scene, and Haile was taken to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, the DA said.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Several people were being treated at the scene after being knocked to the ground and trampled as those in the crowd ran for cover, CNN affiliate KYW reported, citing officials.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 30-second spot cites a 2023 New York Times investigation into migrant children trafficked and exploited to work grueling jobs at factories, construction sites, farms and other dangerous work places.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The organization, which represents the major film and TV studios, as well as major streaming platforms, argues in the letter that Instagram is trying to exploit the public’s trust in its ratings system for its own gain.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Microsoft President Brad Smith speaks at a press conference at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia about future visions for the development and application of artificial intelligence in education in NRW in Berlin on June 4, 2025.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • In the capital, Caracas, CNN took a rare look at the application.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps witnessing that transformation strengthens its usefulness to others.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Trump’s attack on Kenvue’s flagship product, which appeared to unnerve even some of his science advisors, was — in a world that’s nearly lost its usefulness — unprecedented.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • If the indigo color isn’t to your liking, there’s also red, gray, burgundy, black, and brown.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The spicy oil is the right amount of spice for my liking.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Regional restrictions may apply.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Future research could explore whether similar biases apply to other visible traits, such as race or disability.
    Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Equipped to handle every kind of wintry mix the forecast may bring, this is a durable option that will remain intact all season long.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In an April 2, 2021, amicus brief, Raffensperger, represented by the state attorney general, argued ballots must remain sealed under Georgia’s Elections Code and warned that allowing the public to handle physical ballots could constitute a felony under state law.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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