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 law went into effect on July 1, and allows pregnant women to use accessible parking spaces for up to one year after the date of issuance. Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025 Top management knew best and issued directives to the rest of the organization, using steep chains of command to ensure order. Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
The Commission on Fine Arts has not received any formal proposals this year for a new use for the building or its property, Luebke said. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 Other uses include reporting gambling winnings, rents and royalties, gains and losses in brokerage accounts, and, importantly here, dividend and interest payments. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Of those, Porsche utilized numerous lightweighting measures in 1957 to develop a small number intended for motorsport.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
  • In venue news, Park City’s Yarrow Theatre will be utilized as well as Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas and Rose Wagner Performing Arts Centre.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • When this resulted in severe shortages of more than 200 medications, including drugs used to treat cancer and deliver emergency care, Congress howled.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • People treated their grandchildren to a Cielito Lindo lunch the way their own grandparents once did for them.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Sheeraz is also adept at timing; if his foe offers a slight opening, Sheeraz can exploit it and land a powerful strike.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • His bat speed hasn’t slowed, but there will always be ways to exploit even the greatest hitters.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The fee will not be collected until after the application is accepted.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The most dramatic application of this asymmetric approach came in June, when a fleet of more than a hundred Ukrainian drones struck targets as far away as Siberia, destroying or damaging some twenty Russian warplanes.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • While the usefulness of AI features may be debatable, years of OS and software support are not, which gives Samsung the decisive edge.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
  • Teens recognized the usefulness of navigation apps, but simultaneously acknowledged the risk of accidents associated with taking their eyes off the road. What People Are Saying Robbins told Newsweek that distracted driving endangers young people, but also the traveling public around them.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Avs coach Jared Bednar took a bit of a liking to him last year before the suspension.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
  • Neeson recalls taking an immediate liking to the idea of starring in a Naked Gun reboot.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The same applies to travelers with mobility concerns.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
  • The age at which the earnings test no longer applies has changed as well.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • All consular and diplomatic affairs related to the country are instead handled through the Indian Embassy in Djibouti, across the Red Sea.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • The poll also shows that 39 percent approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president versus 56 percent who disapprove.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on use

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!