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
Testers reported the sterilizer works well and that using it is a breeze. Olivia Campbell, Parents, 24 June 2025 On Wednesday, police in Seattle used pepper spray to clear out protesters, and officers in Denver used smoke and pepper balls to control a crowd. Krysta Fauria, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Noun
Israeli jets frequently made use of Syrian airspace. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Furthermore, innovative platforms like Starbucks Odyssey utilize NFTs as a loyalty mechanism, providing unique digital collectibles that unlock exclusive real-world experiences.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • California, unlike other states, utilizes a jobs ratio ranking that accounts for wages to below-the-line workers to select productions that will receive tax credits.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • It’s cleverly done, with the audience treated to a young Ollie Rathbone weaving in and out of an opposition defence to score with a thumping finish in junior football just moments before being shown doing exactly the same to break the deadlock after 15 minutes.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • She was taken to the hospital and treated for traumatic injuries, however, on Tuesday it was confirmed that Rose had passed away, per WBAY.com.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Pratt’s conviction kept him behind bars for 27 years, and the case haunted Cochran, who believed Pratt was innocent and who had made a mistake at trial that prosecutors skillfully exploited.
    Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The risk was leaving big spaces out wide that could be exploited in transition, by Juventus’ wing-backs especially.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Base the fertilizer applications on the size of your lemon tree and the fertilizer product, following package directions carefully.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • The West African nation’s federation said in a statement that the visa applications of five players and seven officials weren’t approved.
    Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • This should both boost our understanding of these powerful blasts of radio waves and increase their usefulness as probes of the universe's baryonic matter content.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, Leapfrog urged CMS to improve data usefulness by reporting results from federal programs using the actual name of the brick-and-mortar hospital, not its CMS Certification Number.
    Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Sear in a hot pan coated in a thin layer of oil until the meat is browned to your liking.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
  • And that there are fewer and fewer reporters doing them, even as governments and others hire more and more flaks to spin events to their liking.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • International distributors can apply for up to €50,000 ($57,380) per title for theatrical distribution of Italian films in their territories.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Tell us your inspiration for rescuing the ancestral tequila-making methods of the past.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • These terms remain in effect until February 1, 2026, at which point Capital One will update its policies regarding guests and additional users to handle issues of overcrowding.
    Paul Rubio, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025
  • His approval on handling inflation and the cost of living has also fallen by nearly 6 points in the same period.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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