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

He was arrested after police tracked his location by obtaining his cell phone number and utilizing data from cell towers in the area. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Workforce experts weigh in on the essential skills employers are hiring for today–skills that can’t be replaced by AI, but can complement and utilize it best. — Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Other features include a keychain hole, a quick-access hook, and a magnetic fidget toy, which is less about utility and more about tactile focus, utilizing the remaining surface space on the tool. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 2 July 2026

Radiant, as the exclusive company authorized to use the Idaho testing facility, is utilizing this space to initiate a structured evaluation process. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 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