use 1 of 2

Definition of usenext
1
2
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way the factory workers were underpaid and poorly used by their employers

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

use

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words 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

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use have much in common, 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

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words 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

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use have much in common, 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

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of use
Verb
Explore the latest lottery news & results This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Mar. 2026 Explore the latest lottery news & results This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. Jordan Kellogg, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Chinese Communist Party has long cooperated with the Iranian regime, providing the Islamic Republic with crucial technologies for civic and military use in exchange for cheap energy. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, nearby wineries and cideries make good use of the Champlain Valley’s fertile soil. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • There was an emphasis to utilize his slurve and four-seam fastball.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Respect yourself by choosing quality items over the cheapest possible options, then treat those purchases with care.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Hong Kong and Beijing, however, say Lai received a fair ​trial and all are treated equally under the national security law ​that has restored ⁠order to the city since mass pro-democracy protests in 2019.
    Reuters 8 hr ago, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Russian hackers have previously been accused of exploiting the feature through phishing messages as well.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Moore’s film shows someone who thrives with on-time throws and running his routes to get where he’s supposed to be to exploit the defense.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The stretchable electrolyte can also be used in flexible batteries for medical applications.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Last month, the agency faced a firestorm of criticism for initially refusing to review an application from Moderna for an mRNA flu vaccine before ultimately accepting the application with some adjustments.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How to Successfully Store Leftover Paint To extend the usefulness of leftover house paint, our experts recommend abiding by the following rules for successful paint storage.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Music fans who were 16 when the Pumpkins helped shape the sound of alternative rock in 1993 were 23 when the band put out Machina/The Machines of God in 2000, and rapidly aging out of usefulness to MTV’s bottom line.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My artist friend, Heather Gentile Collins, came to the rescue and repainted the faces, as well as customized the swimwear to my liking.
    Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The steak was well seasoned and cooked perfectly to my liking, the potatoes and eggs were also cooked nicely, and the pancakes were light.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And that word — dogfight — evokes two words that apply to a lot of the talk that came up often after Canadiens practice at Honda Center on Thursday.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • But in practice, this knowledge is often inaccessible or hard to apply to rural circumstances.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With a high, stable energy supply, the ship could support a larger number of these power-hungry containers, giving operators greater flexibility to handle cargo demand.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • His body could handle the demands.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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