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
• 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 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

Kids and adults alike can also try their luck at panning for gold, using techniques once employed by the region’s prospectors. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

At the same time, the unemployment rate fell due to yet another decline in workers employed or actively looking for a job. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

The number of Haitians under John Knox Village’s employ may be small at 12, out of some 300 staff. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

Some employ chatbots for fun or companionship, but many others use them to support their mental health care—from attempting to self-diagnose conditions to helping with self-discipline. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026