UTILITY Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

utility 1 of 2

noun

yü-ˈti-lə-tē

Definition of utility

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

In National Grid Partners’ 2025 survey of utility innovators, the top obstacles included talent and integration with existing systems, not the quality of the models. — Frank Carnevale, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The buildout that data centers and large industrial users are driving should not show up on a retiree’s utility bill. — David Kieve, Time, 10 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

Noun

Bangkok has argued that 25 years and five rounds of formal talks under the 2001 MOU produced no real progress, and that the framework had simply outlived its usefulness.

— Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, an Inglewood Democrat, is carrying the measure for a coalition of public safety unions, which argue that the reform has saved billions of dollars and has outlived its usefulness.

— Dan Walters, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

Definition of usefulness

Adjective

Despite these complexities, active carriers maintain powerful air wings with F/A-18 Super Hornets and other advanced aircraft.

— Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
For reasons that remain unclear, he was subsequently approved to be moved in with other detainees.

— Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

Definition of other

Noun

It was approved by the City Council in January 2024, after some back-and-forth, as part of a new use agreement that gives the foundation access 50 days a year and allows the city the remainder of the scheduling.

— Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
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, 10 July 2026

Definition of use

Adjective

While some states allow residents to package sharps in secure containers and throw them away in household trash, Massachusetts takes a different approach.

— Irina Butler, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
Enjoy socializing and talking to people from different backgrounds.

— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 July 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

In a victory march across the makeshift bridge, the soldiers transported 140 Carthaginian elephants from Sicily to Rome’s Circus Maximus, according to the first-century historian Pliny the Elder.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
One photo depicts a person curled up on a piece of cardboard, using a pillow and, as a makeshift blanket, a tarp.

— Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of makeshift

Adjective

Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
In 2026, the agency is again incentivizing participants with cash — there are separate categories for novices and professionals, each with their own prizes.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of separate

Browse Nearby Words

utilitarian

utility

utilizable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utility. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of utility

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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