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

The Department of Public Works will be utilizing over 800 pieces of equipment to clear the roadways while also working with private contractors. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

Certain flowers, such as zinnias and sunflowers, can also be freeze-dried and utilized, as needed, for making wreaths and other decorative purposes. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Inference – which involves deploying and utilizing models to handle billions of user queries – necessitates lower latency and, importantly, considerably greater power efficiency than training. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The pest control company must utilize a multi-pronged approach, which may include bed bug monitoring devices, mattress encasements, steaming, vacuuming, and insecticide applications in the form of sprays, aerosols, insecticidal dusts, and desiccant dusts, says Miller. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 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