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
This horoscope was generated automatically using information from Sanctuary. Usa Today, USA Today, 20 June 2026 For McDonnell, using sharks to improve how fish are managed to keep them healthy as climate change makes their behavior less predictable has a poetic flair. Jenny Staletovich, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Noun
All stays come with daily breakfast, use of the resort bicycles, and wellness classes, along with complimentary Wi-Fi and parking (including EV charging stations). Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 13 June 2026 The work also avoided the use of expensive noble metals, which are commonly used in high-performance catalysts. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • This new lottery system will be utilized for a three-year experimental span and will expire after the 2029 draft, with the board of governors then allowed to vote to continue the system or transition to a new one.
    Anthony Chiang June 19, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
  • That physical play is something the Patriots can utilize, as well as Brown’s route-running prowess that has led to four straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Interest in kratom surged in the last couple of years as users have reported consuming the compound in the form of a pill, powder or tea to treat various ailments.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Families with young children could ride all the rides, see the shows and meet multiple characters in a day, if lines aren’t too long, but the park isn’t meant to be treated like a checklist.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • More to Explore In hundreds of grim mines, Sicilian children were exploited in slave-like conditions.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 15 June 2026
  • Tensions between Sunnis and Shias have long been exploited in the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In Kansas, for example, recipients must fill out a 30-page application with 200 questions to get benefits of about $150 per month, according to Appleseed Center's Kottler.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • An Art Basel spokesperson told the Art Newspaper that the decision to cancel the award had been made in 2025, with the selection committed subsequently notified and application materials updated.
    News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • If the company can balance usefulness, privacy, safety and emotional connection, Familiar could point to a new future for AI at home.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
  • Magnetization strength, resistance to demagnetization, energy storage capacity, and the permanent magnet’s behavior at high temperatures are major parameters that determine its usefulness.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • They’re affiliated with Mural Arts Philadelphia, the organization that partners with the Eagles to stage this annual event, and one of the men next to Sirianni apparently places his arm around Sirianni’s torso a bit too low for the coach’s liking.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The 2026 car is much more to Hamilton’s liking.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Those rules govern which AI models Promise may use and what protections apply — effectively letting each client decide how heavily AI figures into the work.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Lower Manhattan became frozen beyond expectation, with subways stopping south of Canal Street, a border that had earlier applied only to cars.
    Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • International sales are handled by Fremantle with support from De Maio Entertainment.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • In a highly unusual arrangement, the UFC has been handling much of the ticket access to the event, not the White House itself.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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