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
Testers reported the sterilizer works well and that using it is a breeze. Olivia Campbell, Parents, 24 June 2025 On Wednesday, police in Seattle used pepper spray to clear out protesters, and officers in Denver used smoke and pepper balls to control a crowd. Krysta Fauria, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Noun
Israeli jets frequently made use of Syrian airspace. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Furthermore, innovative platforms like Starbucks Odyssey utilize NFTs as a loyalty mechanism, providing unique digital collectibles that unlock exclusive real-world experiences.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • California, unlike other states, utilizes a jobs ratio ranking that accounts for wages to below-the-line workers to select productions that will receive tax credits.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • It’s cleverly done, with the audience treated to a young Ollie Rathbone weaving in and out of an opposition defence to score with a thumping finish in junior football just moments before being shown doing exactly the same to break the deadlock after 15 minutes.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Consult with a doctor about the following remedies as options to treat sweating: Using a prescription-strength antiperspirant or deodorant to tell your body to stop producing sweat.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Pratt’s conviction kept him behind bars for 27 years, and the case haunted Cochran, who believed Pratt was innocent and who had made a mistake at trial that prosecutors skillfully exploited.
    Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The risk was leaving big spaces out wide that could be exploited in transition, by Juventus’ wing-backs especially.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Its mission is to mentor high school students from Albania and other underrepresented communities, and provide support with the college application process.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • China agreed to approve export applications for rare earths to the U.S. Rare earths had been a sticking point between the two countries.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Aplin tells New Scientist that the research points to the usefulness of future efforts to monitor electrostatic discharges from satellites.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • For the test voyage, Kaifu et al. selected the Ryukyus strait between Taiwan and Yonaguni Island, where there are no effective tailwinds, the Kuroshio current flows northward, and the target island is not visible for more than the first half of the voyage, limiting its usefulness for navigation.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • From Oahu to Kauai, there are plenty of elopement planners, photographers, and unique venues that will tailor your celebration to your liking.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • As if there wasn’t already enough change afoot in the world for Agnes’ liking, Ada is now the lady of the Van Rhijn household, creating serious confusion for the staff.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The judge also ordered the parties to address whether and how the Supreme Court's recent ruling limiting universal injunctions should apply to her order.
    Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Instead, apply a clean dressing over the eye and go to the hospital immediately.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • From floral arrangements to first dances, every detail matters—and at Walters Wedding Estates, every detail is handled with care, transparency, and a passion for making those dreams come true.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 23 June 2025
  • Hormuz handles less than 4% of global container trade, but the ports of Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan in the UAE are critical intermediary points for global shipping networks in the region.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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