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

• 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

By integrating creators into the YouTube broadcast and the marketing of the game in multiple ways plus utilizing altcasts, the NFL might have been showing its commitment to trying things YouTube’s way. —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025

Another report found that the top beneficiaries of the program include Amazon (which employed nearly 15,000 workers utilizing H-1B visas in 2024), IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Meta. —Andrew R. Chow, Time, 23 Sep. 2025

Mondaic, a spin-off company from ETH Zurich, utilizes the same tech that once helped scientists understand the interior of Mars to inspect critical infrastructure on Earth without the need for drilling or damage. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025

The embellished accessory is covered in shiny glass stones on top of gold hardware and utilizes an open cuff design that makes for easy removal. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

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