Synonym Chooser

How does the verb utilize contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and use are common synonyms of utilize. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

When is it sensible to use employ instead of utilize?

Although the words employ and utilize 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 would use be a good substitute for utilize?

The words use and utilize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

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 utilize To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page. Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2025 Plants to Always Leave Standing The dry stems of certain native perennials offer excellent nesting habitats for around 25% of native bee species that utilize cavity nesting. Benjamin Vogt, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025 Democrats generally have been more successful at utilizing mail ballots, which has a lot to do with why Trump and Republicans want to outlaw or limit them. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 Charlotte, which has rarely utilized tempo this season, hurried to the line, and Loftis fired a ball between two wideouts, both running curls. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilize
Verb
  • However, since the May request, the department has signed a $172 million contract with Gulfstream to buy not one but two used G700 jets.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The breathable cotton quilt is lightweight enough to use year-round, but the warm tones beckon for fall.
    Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This philosophy applies to business owners seeking to develop managers and leaders within their organizations.
    Joe Boylan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Their work could be a critical step toward the safe and rational decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and the technology could be applied to nuclear accident sites elsewhere in the world.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In theory, Slot’s tactical out-of-possession shuffle to a staggered 4-3-3 should help Liverpool to defend on their right flank, but the ease with which Chelsea exploited the space was a culmination of weeks of warning signs.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • What figures such as Tate, Caz, Maalouf, and others are doing is exploiting civil instability and installing themselves as truth-tellers in a society where experts can’t be trusted.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But American manufacturing looks very different from five decades ago, when millions of workers were employed to perform specific tasks along assembly lines.
    Joel Williams, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Companies that employ geopolitical foresight will be better equipped to navigate disruption and unlock growth opportunities.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Utilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilize. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on utilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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