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

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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
All of the following prices include destination fees Redesigned for the 2026 model year, the latest Outback has a boxier look that enhances the utility for which Subarus are well known. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 The living reality of inflation is etched on grocery-store receipts, utility bills and health insurance premiums. — Sheldon H. Jacobson, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 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
  • The assumed inference is that travelers rely on Google for their travel needs and that informative brochures and knowledgeable attendants are a quaint idea that has outlived its usefulness.
    — Frank Hosek, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Ultimately, polling’s usefulness is limited, especially for an institution like the Supreme Court, writes Kate Shaw, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in an email.
    — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of usefulness
Adjective
  • Anderson of Johns Hopkins has been working with a dozen other researchers, through grants from Arnold Ventures, to study prices more and contemplate state-level legislation that mirrors the CBO’s options.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The incident became even more troubling after reports that models had turned up on a dozen other websites.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of other
Noun
  • The collection combines decorative and functional objects, with each piece designed around both its use and its story.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Stiles revealed that Parton had cleared the use of the song prior to her death in August.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of use
Adjective
  • This is a season so overwhelmingly dull that it’s taken three different gay guys to recap it.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The new four-page indictment did not add a different type of offense.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of different
Noun
  • For decades, Washington strove to align perceptions across theaters, to little avail.
    — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of avail
Adjective
  • Industry analysts observe that if market participants believed crude transport could permanently rely on rerouting, alternative ports, and emergency reserve releases, oil prices should have pulled back meaningfully.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • And when the healthcare system is flawed to its core and disinformation about alternative treatments spreads rapidly online?
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • While certainly an improvement on the current barriers (which are a shockingly makeshift solution for a museum that cost over $1 billion), the plaza’s main entryways will remain gated off, confirmed both Lu and Lucas Museum spokesperson Seth Fowler.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Many of these migrants navigate the passage on makeshift boats that can capsize in treacherous waters.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • Detective Philip Marlowe has been played by Humphrey Bogart, Robert Mitchum, and Dick Powell in separate films—but there is no way for Mitchum’s Marlowe to stumble into Bogart’s movie.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Turkish director Yeşim Ustaoğlu returns with a beautifully shot, superbly performed exploration of a modern couple embarking on separate journeys of self-discovery.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on utility

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utility

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