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

The mission, which aims to launch in 2028, will utilize the space startup’s Blue Ghost cargo lander to deliver six scientific experiments to an area on the Moon called Gruithuisen Domes, which were formed by lava millions of years ago in order to better understand Lunar geology. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Harbaugh utilized the rule to attempt a 57-yard place kick. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024

Nurses often utilize video calls to conduct initial assessments in an emergency. —Ethan Stone, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

In his book The Art of the Deal, Trump described berating the team's coach for not fully utilizing Walker's abilities. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

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