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 of utilize

• 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

Make Use of Shady Corners McMahon utilized a shady part of the yard for a garden shed. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026

There was an emphasis to utilize his slurve and four-seam fastball. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026

The practice’s board‑certified ophthalmologists and experienced optometrists bring more than 75 years of combined professional experience and have performed over 18,000 major ophthalmic surgeries and laser procedures, utilizing current surgical and laser techniques. —Community's Choice Awards, jsonline.com, 7 Mar. 2026

For his part, in a recent social-media string, former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who still has a stake in the team, said the practice can work for teams when utilized selectively. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026

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