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

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
Only eligible Amazon customers who used their Prime benefits 10 or fewer times over any 12-month period of enrollment can submit a claim in this phase. Melina Khan, USA Today, 27 June 2026 At stake is water for agriculture and human consumption for 40 million people in the West as well as water used in power generation. Alan Gionet, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Noun
How To Clean Porous Tile Backsplashes Clean natural stone tiles with a pH-neutral cleaner specially designed for use on stone. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 The high-energy track is aggressive yet playful and makes expert use of an electric guitar sample, an instrument not heard frequently in the Memphis producer’s collection. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Staying close to the start line and utilizing transit options will help ensure a smooth and stress-free race morning.
    Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
  • At its intimate factory, Crystal expanded its rooftop solar installation beyond the contract demand to fully utilize the available rooftop space.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • She was treated at the scene before being taken to an area hospital.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
  • Federal Aviation Administration rules bar cities from treating airlines unequally, and the council's action put $90 million in federal grant funding in jeopardy, according to one council member.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • So far, there are no reports of the usbliter8 bug being exploited in the wild.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 21 June 2026
  • However, Nawrocki is a nationalist politician who has exploited anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral gain.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Toe spacers make polish application much easier and cut down on smudging while layers dry.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • After the application process is completed, the ambassadors are provided access to an online portal, where presentations and activities created by the medical advisory board are shared.
    Sydney Haywood, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • As consumers rarely reward clever technology for its own sake - the experts and talks through the week will show how to reward usefulness, confidence and ease.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The board did not separately vote on that request, but Interim Chief Business Officer Lisa Grant-Dawson acknowledged the usefulness of such an update before the district’s first interim report in December.
    Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • If the butter yellow isn’t to your liking, there are 14 other colors to peruse, including baby blue, cherry red, and bubble gum pink.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
  • And that was much to his liking.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Neel said many community members have made preparations in anticipation of the ruling, including applying for asylum.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • An economist that the city hired estimates that the tax increase will add $500 to $650 annually in taxes for the average family of four, despite the sales tax not being applied to groceries or medical supplies.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Bosch, the German engineering firm, says its British subsidiary now handles 10,000 import transactions per year, a stunning increase from just 40 annually prior to Brexit.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • According to the developers, the AI agent will create itineraries, handle arrangements, and try to anticipate what guests need.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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