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

As the third airline to operate out of Concord-Padgett, Avelo joins Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines in utilizing the single-runway facility. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

The move would be financed utilizing STAR bonds, which would be paid off over 30 years using new state sales tax revenues — and potentially also local taxes — generated within a dedicated district. —Sofi Zeman january 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026

The force utilized by Sterling Heights Police Officer conforms to Michigan law, as well as applicable agency policy, standards, and guidelines. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

In the United Kingdom, fashion consumption utilized 30,258 square kilometers of land, or roughly the same size as Belgium, in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 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