utility 1 of 2

noun

yü-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce utility (audio)
Definition of utilitynext
as in usefulness
the capacity for being useful for some purpose the store specializes in gee-whiz gadgetry of dubious utility

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utility

2 of 2

adjective

as in other

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 utility
Noun
What used to be a premium technology is increasingly becoming a tool for cost control, allowing governments and utilities to manage peak demand, avoid infrastructure upgrades, and stabilize energy costs. — Alan Byrd, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 According to the utility, the surveillance video shows Gocaj parking her car near the manhole about 12 minutes after a multiaxle truck appears to dislodge the cover. — David K. Li, NBC news, 17 July 2026
Adjective
The Rays were also at the forefront of other innovations and/or adjustments, such as defensive shifts, lineup platoons, matchup bullpens, star-quality super-utility players and putting a numbers nerd (technically a process and analytics coach) in the dugout. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 Heriberto Hernandez and super-utility player Javier Sanoja were the only right-handed hitters who could see steady time in the outfield. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utility
  1. usefulness
  2. other
  3. use
  4. different
  5. avail
  6. alternative
  7. makeshift
  8. separate
Noun
  • But as the risks posed by climate change have become more acute, this omission has limited the National Climate Assessment’s usefulness for leaders in business and government who might want – or need – to use it.
    — Joe Árvai, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
  • The power station can support phones, cameras, lights, laptops, and other equipment around the campsite, extending the usefulness of the setup after the ride ends.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
Definition of usefulness
Adjective
  • The Big Bend Sector has not experienced the high number of border crossings seen in recent years in other areas farther south along the Rio Grande or in Arizona or California, owing to the remote and challenging terrain on both sides of the border.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Today, some bright spots aside, the Art Deco District’s historic commercial spine is a drab length of vacant and unkempt storefronts, smoke shops, liquor stores, fast-food outlets, cheap T-shirt emporia and other varieties of tourist trap.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of other
Noun
  • AlignSphere Ventures is asking the city for a conditional-use permit to build the hospital, as well as a development-agreement modification and a preliminary plat.
    — Rose Evans July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • Rodríguez has even written to King Charles III, asking for the gold to be released for use in reconstruction efforts, though as a constitutional monarch he does not get involved in political disputes.
    — German Padinger, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of use
Adjective
  • That proposal calls for allowing a citizen in family court to ask for a different judge without having to provide a reason.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The sky-high payments could be caused by a lot of different things — buyers wanting big cars, low credit scores pushing monthly payments higher or high credit scores allowing for bigger loans.
    — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of different
Noun
  • After that, when the impossibility of recovering anyone else became clear, Al-Zaharnah and others kept hoping international organizations would convince Israel to allow more construction equipment, but to little avail.
    — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Ronaldo tried a bicycle kick on the rebound, to no avail.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Definition of avail
Adjective
  • Midi Skirts Midiskirts are the breezy, pants-alternative summer trend that’s taking the spot of the boho maxiskirt trend that’s dominated the past few years.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Consumers increasingly value flexibility, so dealerships and automakers should market leasing around affordability, convenience and the ability to upgrade to newer vehicles, rather than treating it as an alternative financing option.
    — Zoriy Birenboym, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • Balloons, a Colombian soccer jersey, dozens of flowers and handwritten notes – some with expletives; others, crayon drawings from children – decorated the makeshift memorial at the intersection of Hill and Pool streets.
    — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026
  • Authorities said the makeshift incendiary device was made with fireworks and a flammable liquid.
    — Alexx Altman-Devilbiss, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • That convergence is drawing together businesses that once occupied separate corners of the market, from consumer staples companies selling food to biotech firms developing medicines and veterinary providers offering increasingly sophisticated care.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • The consignor was later identified as an accomplice in a separate auction fraud case in Hebei province.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of separate

Browse Nearby Words

utilitarian
utility
utilizable
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Cite this Entry

“Utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utility. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on utility

Nglish: Translation of utility for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utility

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