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
The light side of the force is almost always seen using blue or green sabers, outside of a few exceptions. Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 May 2025 This kind of integration is a huge help for businesses using both platforms. Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Noun
However, the Virginia Tech team concluded that 80% of urban subsidence in the U.S. is caused by groundwater removal for human use. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 8 May 2025 Adjust Horizontally Misaligned Cabinet Door During installation or even after years of regular use, cabinet doors might slide too far to one side or the other. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • There have already been multiple reports suggesting that the Exynos 2600 will be utilized for the Galaxy S26 series.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • But Alex Turcotte was reduced to part-time status and was pulled out of the lineup in favor of Trevor Lewis at a time when Turcotte’s younger legs could have been utilized.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The visitor from Cape Coral was treated for minor injuries.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • The man, who was from Cape Coral, Fla., sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency medical personnel.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Airlines are making a ridiculous amount of money by selling you the promise of avoiding a middle seat or exploiting your separation anxiety or your claustrophobia.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • By exploiting Bitcoin arbitrage opportunities, such as price differences between Japan and the U.S., Alameda generated daily profits up to $1 million.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • As a parent herself, Turner understands the nuances of college applications firsthand.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The application is available throughout the school year at myschoolapps.com.
    Juan Ortega, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • These two veterans of a long, bloody war have mostly outlived their usefulness to their respective causes.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • The concept made a limited impact with the team because his boss didn’t believe in its usefulness.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • That's quite a compliment from the King of Horror, a man not known to keep mum if an adaptation of one of his works is not to his liking.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 1 May 2025
  • Sweeten it to your liking with dates, maple syrup, or not at all.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The $30 cost includes all fees, but not taxes as applicable according to city, state and venue and applies to amphitheater shows throughout the U.S. and Canada.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Find AI automation opportunities Manual processes suffocate growth potential.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • And then obviously handling the real creatures was fun.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Multiple dialogue options suggest multiple ways to handle story scenarios.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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