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
Those costs include rent or mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, and utilities. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 The study did not include bills for wastewater or stormwater, which are managed by separate utilities. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 7 Oct. 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
  • Such applications could make skin markings easier to conceal while preserving their usefulness when needed.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Almeida saw a gap between models’ ability to answer people’s questions and their usefulness in automating routine work.
    — Wen Shao, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of usefulness
Adjective
  • Stitt points out a photograph of Olney in a hallway near the bathroom, while recalling sharing wine with Lulu Peyraud, the beloved matriarch of the Domaine Tempier wine estate in Provence, among a collage of other French memories.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Sunday's attack occurred as the Saudis hosted a major international energy conference in Riyadh, with other high-profile events including an investment gathering on the horizon.
    — SAMY MAGDY, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of other
Noun
  • Earlier this month, the emirate launched AiNative, a program with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, to train 20,000 government workers in practical and responsible AI use by the end of the year.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Potential uses include drug discovery, neuroscience, energy, aerospace, robotics and advanced manufacturing research.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of use
Adjective
  • Computer simulations helped the researchers compare different fiber arrangements, including checkerboard and zigzag patterns.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The contracts negotiated with the UC do not mention different salaries for visa holders versus citizens.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of different
Noun
  • Davis Webb has tried to make the run game the main actor in his opening scripts, to little avail.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, Washington strove to align perceptions across theaters, to little avail.
    — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of avail
Adjective
  • Customers who had been due to fly on Saturday were provided with accommodation and rebooked on alternative flights, according to the airline.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • According to the store, Clarkson left before seeing the alternative item.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • The claims were made by four inmates who apparently inhabit the same unit as the Grammy-winner, including one who cooked for Combs on makeshift heating elements, offering up dishes like curry chicken, pizza and empanadas.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Not far away, armed men had been occupying makeshift barricades, blocking roads and turning some drivers away.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • Lucy’s always been a hard vocalist to classify, intensely emotive but largely separate from the monster-growl arms race.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Accessibility Seven king and double/queen accessible rooms are fashioned with private, separate entrances and patios.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on utility

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utility

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