Synonyms of employ

employ 1 of 2

verb

im-ˈplȯi 

1

as in to hire

to provide with a paying job

a new factory that will employ 500 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hire
• recruit
• engage
• retain
• pay
• enlist
• place
• assume
• sign (up or on)
• fee
• take on
• lay on
• job
• partner
• promote
• reemploy
• rehire
• subcontract
• reengage
• upgrade
• contract
• keep (on)
• apprentice
• advance
• headhunt
• scout

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• dismiss
• axe
• sack
• ax
• fire
• discharge
• lay off
• lock out
• furlough

2

as in to use

to put into action or service

looking for a job in which she can employ her considerable writing skills

Synonyms & Similar Words

• use
• utilize
• apply
• exploit
• operate
• harness
• exercise
• draw upon
• draw on
• make use of
• wield
• handle
• manipulate
• bring to bear
• work
• direct
• run
• recycle
• reuse
• cannibalize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

employ

2 of 2

noun

im-ˈplȯi 

as in employment

the state of being provided with a paying job

while you're under our employ, you can't do outside work for our competitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employment
• hire
• work
• tenure
• assignment
• engagement
• position
• appointment
• recruitment
• occupation
• situation
• conscription
• enlistment
• post
• place
• incumbency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• removal
• unemployment
• firing
• discharge
• dismissal
• boot
• sack
• suspension
• severance
• leave
• nonemployment
• retirement
• joblessness
• liberty
• furlough
• layoff
• demotion

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb employ contrast with its synonyms?

The words use and utilize are common synonyms of employ. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," 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

Where would use be a reasonable alternative to employ?

Although the words use and employ have much in common, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of employ?

While the synonyms utilize and employ are close in meaning, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of employ

Verb

Today’s workforce wants to build genuine relationships within the place where they are employed. —Sherre Demao, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

After the reorganization wraps up at the end of fiscal 2025, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will have around 1,300 staffers, down from the roughly 1,800 employed by the agency at the start of Gabbard’s tenure under the Trump administration. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2025

Noun

In a vicious and deeply cynical move, Joe frames Michael (Michael Ward), a Black deputy in his employ, for the murders by planting Ted's pocket watch in his car. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 18 July 2025

The recent fight at San Diego City Hall over how many middle managers the city employs could signal the start of a shift away from such jobs in the future, after years of their ranks quickly growing. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025