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

• apply
• employ
• exercise
• exploit
• harness
• operate
• use

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

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

Safety companies Kidde and Ring recently partnered to create a collection of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that utilize the convenience of Ring app alerts. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025

Traders and investors utilize Bollinger Bands in conjunction with other indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD), to confirm signals and minimize false positives. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 June 2025

Trained water rescue personnel, rescue boats, aerial drones and a patrol helicopter with infrared cameras were also utilized in the search. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 23 June 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