use 1 of 2

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

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
Over the years, investigators pursued multiple leads without success, releasing a composite sketch of the suspect and using genetic genealogy and familial DNA testing in search of a match. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025 Audit every tool used internally or in customer-facing channels. Sarah Choudhary, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
Because of these changes, Russia has dramatically reduced its use of Lancet drones. Eric Schmidt, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025 The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • The investment will utilize the company’s proprietary technology to improve the Sky’s cybersecurity measures by tracking and responding to the rapidly growing mess of online abuse, threats and harassment players face.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
  • How is this technology being utilized specifically in the AWM division?
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The driver, who was on parole at the time of the incident, was arrested and taken to a hospital to be treated, Ernst said.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • All this activity is dramatically shifting the focus of Lloyd Webber’s company, treating the legendary composer and his work as a brand like Star Wars, Marvel, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During the leak, former and current customers' information was exploited, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and more personal details.
    Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Phishing, malware and misinformation relentlessly exploit weak points in online systems.
    Akram Atallah, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The pause will not impact already existing valid visas, according to the memo, and some applications — including official and C-3 diplomatic visas — will continue to be processed.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The most public application is the AV (Autonomous Vehicle) revolution which solves a pain point for consumers who prefer not to drive, and addresses the shortage of drivers and time restrictions in trucking and industrial applications.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Batteries Improve Usefulness Of Wind, Solar Simply, wind is cheap and as battery storage improves, so does its usefulness.
    Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • These products also have much more evidence of their usefulness in skin care.
    Health, Health, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Return the pan to the oven and cook 5 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and browned to your liking.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Make sure to hit the selection of serious salsas to finish them off to your liking and grab a mezcal from the adjacent ReyRey bar.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Bigger And Better Since this isn’t the first go-around for the collaboration, Lindsey and Chelsea were able to apply a lot of learnings to this second collection.
    Sarah Boyd, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • In the meantime, officials are operating on two distinct sets of guidance: rules that apply to grants awarded to scientists in states subject to the recent court order, and Trump administration guidance that still holds everywhere else.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Teams handle data all the time—but in many companies, the steps teams must take to stay compliant aren’t built into daily work.
    Jodi Daniels, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The difficulty of raising a teenager is deftly handled as well, and shows how putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is still the best way to understand other perspectives.
    Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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