utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz 

utilized; utilizing

transitive verb

: to make use of : turn to practical use or account

I'm a great person for utilizing waste power

—Robert Frost

utilizable

ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

utilization

ˌyü-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

utilizer

ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• use
• apply
• exploit
• employ

Choose the Right Synonym for utilize

use, employ, utilize 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

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

utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Examples of utilize in a Sentence

Many of the library's resources are not utilized by townspeople.

we must utilize all the tools at our disposal

Recent Examples on the Web

Other businesses use the production space The kitchen space is also utilized by Bleu Sheep Charcuterie, To Your Health Juicery, Ay Chihuahua Coffee, and Doorstep Peppers. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Hunter is a unique and rare player who is likely to be utilized in many facets of the game. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

To utilize your vertical space, go with a higher option like the Orren Ellis Mahnomen Counter Height Pedestal Dining Table. —Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

Companies will look for more sophisticated ways to utilize the data to better understand shopping behaviors across platforms. —Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for utilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyüt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

utilized; utilizing

: to make use of especially for a certain job

utilization

ˌyüt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun