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

Huang, based in Brooklyn, has produced a series of lamps drawing upon her childhood memories in Southwest China, utilizing Chinese lantern and paper techniques. —Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 17 May 2026

The Pistons also check in riding a wave of confidence after their dominant 115-94 win in Cleveland in Game 6, giving me confidence in utilizing the Pistons moneyline as the first leg of our parlay. —Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

New research approach The study successfully established that dental calculus can be utilized in the study of medieval medicine and and applied to broader research efforts. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026

Don’t expect Seth Rogen to be utilize AI to help with any script writing. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for utilize

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

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