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 suspect used an accelerant, believed to be gasoline, to set the fire at the building. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 And the bucket is fashioned using waterproof phenolic ply with a grippy inner surface that just happens to look good too. New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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, 30 Sep. 2025 Despite his warning, lead poisoning may have contributed to the downfall of the Roman Empire through the use of lead in wine, bowls, cups, and cosmetics. Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Bitfury utilizes superior technology and practices strategic adaptation to keep ahead of its competitors.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • After the loss of his father, a man attempts to utilize childhood nostalgia as a coping mechanism.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Growing up, Wynter Starks didn’t trick-or-treat like other kids.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • If Ohtani is to be treated as a normal starter, however, could that mean changes in how the Dodgers deploy him?
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Based on a true story, an aristocrat close to the Viceroy of New Spain begins a series of murders in 1637 Mexico City, exploiting his status to avoid justice.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • These days, Howard has become a huge defensive liability, and the Rams made sure to exploit him.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That number decreased significantly the following day, to 909, and continued to drop before fluctuating between about 30 and 300 applications for the duration of the application period.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The battlefield applications of these fields are already being demonstrated.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong showed flashes of usefulness — and were trusted as much as the veterans around them.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Analysts warned that consumers with insurance may continue to pay less at the pharmacy counter than through the TrumpRx website, raising questions about the program’s broader usefulness.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bought an apple pie for backup in case this dump cake was not to our liking.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Add the bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisped to your liking.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There are, nonetheless, lessons that could apply to businesses and policymakers anywhere.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, leaving a small ring around the trunk free of mulch.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Still, some industry critics have said Peloton's equipment isn't appropriate for gym settings because the machines can't handle higher frequency use, which prompted the company to create a more durable lineup.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Democrats say health care protections must be preserved, while Republicans say that funding and policy should be handled separately.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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