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

It’s believed that this phenomenon could be utilized in future catalyst design and materials development. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026

The city is in talks with Korin to utilize the property across Sycamore Square to create a garden, mental health space and food truck area where the community can gather, said Scott. —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026

Additionally, Ferrari says that each of the fabric options utilizes a five-layer construction that will provide the same sound and heat insulation as one of its retractable hardtops. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026

Aikido intends to utilize the over 50 gigawatts of distressed floating wind sites globally that could be repurposed immediately for sovereign data center deployment. —Etiido Uko march 13, New Atlas, 13 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