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
Eventually, though, Indigenous trade networks carried the shells thousands of miles, from the Pacific Ocean to the Great Plains, and were exchanged with tribes such as the Lakota and Ojibwe, where the shells began being used as a form of adornment, and even currency. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025 Silver is a critical component in products across various industries, and is used in the production of electrical switches, solar panels, and cell phones. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
The cleverest use of the format is to convey shifts in perspective, as the level of immersion indicates whose point of view we’re supposed to be sharing. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025 One will focus on the next generation of young designers, students and entrepreneurs, who will showcase creative uses for cotton, from concept to finished product. Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • The long central island’s polished quartz surface lights up from within, giving the kitchen a touch of soft glamour, and an adjoining area can be utilized as a lounge or casual dining space.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fall is not treating the Ichabods so well.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Most hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter topical medications, such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel, but Rao recommends consulting a doctor if the hemorrhoids become recurrent, painful or bleed excessively.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This was something that Inter exploited particularly well in that thrilling Champions League semi-final, as rampaging wing-back Denzel Dumfries helped himself to two goals and three assists across both legs, the target of 14 long passes out to his flank.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • This kind of fraud, resembling that experienced by Anthony, exploits a person’s emotions, inciting fear and anxiety, by impersonating a grandchild or other family member in distress.
    Madhusree Mukerjee, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers are now conducting further safety tests and exploring new applications.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • His administration also paused applications for parole programs and allowed ICE to cancel parole statuses of migrants.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to Havel, this usefulness is so successful, so total, that the story, the history, ceases to exist.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Innovation and usefulness shouldn't supersede humanity In the film, Dillinger refers to Ares as Master Control.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To be honest, this is a bit too hot for my liking, but high-proof fans will geek out on this.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The single bathroom has a stand-up shower and the finishes are customized to your liking—think faux marble on the walls.
    Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In their new study, the team successfully applied the same time-reversal idea to optical clocks.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The new tax will apply to specific transactions made with cash, money orders, cashier’s checks or similar physical instruments.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Carrying it around feels more like lugging a speaker than a dainty portable gadget, but that handle makes moving it between rooms surprisingly manageable.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Lindell handles very ugly, difficult matchups and usually comes out on top, regardless of who he’s partnered with.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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