use 1 of 2

verb

ˈyüz How to pronounce use (audio)
Definition of usenext
1
as in to utilize
to put into action or service I will need to use the large hammer for this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to exploit
to take unfair advantage of I was paying for everything on our little outing, and I was starting to feel like I was being used

Synonyms & Similar Words

use

2 of 2

noun

ˈyüs How to pronounce use (audio)
1
as in application
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the use of boom boxes is strictly prohibited in the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in usefulness
the capacity for being useful for some purpose the broken grill isn't going to be of much use in cooking the hamburgers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in liking
positive regard for something I have no use for slackers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 survivors used avalanche beacons and iPhone Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services. —Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026 More than 40 families, whose children died after using Snapchat, rallied on Thursday outside of Snap Inc. headquarters to urge the company to make changes on their social media application for the protection of youth. —City News Service, Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
Roku Channel, Tubi and Pluto combine for about 6 percent of all TV use in the United States, most of that built on libraries of older shows (though Roku and Tubi have some original programming too). —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026 Some researchers question whether addiction is the appropriate term to describe heavy use of social media, arguing that a person must be experiencing identifiable symptoms. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
  1. utilize
  2. treat
  3. exploit
  4. application
  5. usefulness
  6. liking
  7. apply
  8. handle
Verb
  • The last time Tyler came back from an extended absence, in that case to toe issue, he was utilized off the bench in his first game back and then inserted into the starting lineup the next game.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Using the high-res ADR and production sound mixer Greg Chapman’s recordings of Elordi’s performance, Robitaille gave Cooke and re-recording mixer Brad Zoern two different subsonic booster tracks to utilize.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • But because of the area’s shortage of medical specialists, the New Mexico Human Services Department requested a waiver on his behalf that permitted him to resume practice and continue treating cancer patients as the only oncologist in all of Luna County, a remote rural region.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The Erie County Health Department told CNN that medical examiner records are treated as confidential medical records and would only be shared with law enforcement and others legally entitled to them.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of treat
Verb
  • Epstein, a career criminal and con artist, saw weakness in the rich and powerful and exploited it, and his emails are an incredible map of elites, and of their wealth and power.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Manosphere influencers and politicians alike are exploiting young men’s vulnerability, stirring resentment against women.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of exploit
Noun
  • The program currently remains in another legal battle, with people able to renew their status but no new applications accepted.
    — Mathew Miranda February 26, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Ending those protections could halt their authorization to work legally in the United States and expose more to possible deportation, especially the 800 people with pending applications, according to the International Refugee Assistance Project.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of application
Noun
  • Business leaders are butting heads over whether the college degree is dead, arguing over its usefulness and overall value.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
  • But despite their usefulness, Nguyen warns that metrics are still limited as promoters of values and goals.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
Definition of usefulness
Noun
  • There aren't nearly enough pirate shows on TV for our liking, but this swashbuckling adventure drama more than scratches that itch.
    — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
  • With his James Bond 1990 vibe, Colin is the partner one instinctively prefers, unless one has a natural liking for Eagle Scout types.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of liking
Verb
  • China says that these groups help people with everyday tasks like applying for drivers’ licences.
    — Rebecca Wright, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Equal-time obligations apply to broadcast licensees using public spectrum.
    — Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • This idea is neatly illuminated in the seminal What Can One Do with a Paving Stone, 1971, comprising a series of black-and-white photographs mounted to canvas and showing the artist variously carrying, caressing, wrapping, and otherwise handling the titular stone.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Feb. 2026
Definition of handle

Phrases Containing use

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on use

Nglish: Translation of use for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about use

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