utilize

1 of 2

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

utilizer

2 of 2

noun

uti·​liz·​er

variants also British utiliser

-zə(r)

plural -s

: one that utilizes

Synonyms of utilize

Verb

• 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

Verb

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

Verb

Alaska utilizes a top-four primary, in which the four highest vote-getters from the August primary advance to the general election. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026

There is also an elevator, although it’s best utilized as a dumbwaiter for luggage and is not recommended for guest use. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Instead, the prototype is built on the same Alpine Performance Platform that the all-electric A110 Future will utilize. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

The Los Angeles Police Department already is utilizing AI technology and has plans to integrate it further into its crime-fighting. — Jakob McWhinney, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

Verb

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