1
as in to utilize
to put into action or service
I will need to use the large hammer for this project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way
the factory workers were underpaid and poorly used by their employers
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to exploit
to take unfair advantage of
I was paying for everything on our little outing, and I was starting to feel like I was being used
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in application
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose
the use of boom boxes is strictly prohibited in the park
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in usefulness
the capacity for being useful for some purpose
the broken grill isn't going to be of much use in cooking the hamburgers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in liking
positive regard for something
I have no use for slackers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of use
Patrick Knickerbocker, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Just last year, a team led by Douglas R. Stenton used DNA to identify a jawbone found on King William Island in 1993 as that of Erebus’ captain, Fitzjames.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
This sediment record reflects both natural climate variation and the profound impact of human land use, especially during the rise and fall of the Maya civilization.
—Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for use
Verb
Trump’s intention to accept the Boeing 747-8 and transform the plane so it can be used as Air Force One has caused a storm of controversy.
—Patrick Knickerbocker, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Just last year, a team led by Douglas R. Stenton used DNA to identify a jawbone found on King William Island in 1993 as that of Erebus’ captain, Fitzjames.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
Noun
Still, a spare pillowcase has tons of versatile uses for travel.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
This sediment record reflects both natural climate variation and the profound impact of human land use, especially during the rise and fall of the Maya civilization.
—Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
-
By utilizing this, managers can reevaluate the expenditure in relation to current priorities, determine whether existing resources can be repurposed and prevent reactive decisions.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
The technical restoration process utilized the original camera and sound negatives as primary source elements, with work completed at the specialized facility L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Exception handling shouldn’t be treated as grunt work.—
Aditya Shah,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
Guests were treated to a live demonstration by artisans, who had traveled from the Tod’s factory in Le Marche, that showed just how much work and care goes into the iconic gommini driving moccasins.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
By exploiting Bitcoin arbitrage opportunities, such as price differences between Japan and the U.S., Alameda generated daily profits up to $1 million.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
Airlines are making a ridiculous amount of money by selling you the promise of avoiding a middle seat or exploiting your separation anxiety or your claustrophobia.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
As a parent herself, Turner understands the nuances of college applications firsthand.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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The application is available throughout the school year at myschoolapps.com.—
Juan Ortega,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
These two veterans of a long, bloody war have mostly outlived their usefulness to their respective causes.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
-
The concept made a limited impact with the team because his boss didn’t believe in its usefulness.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Sweeten it to your liking with dates, maple syrup, or not at all.—
Laura Mclively,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
-
That's quite a compliment from the King of Horror, a man not known to keep mum if an adaptation of one of his works is not to his liking.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The $30 cost includes all fees, but not taxes as applicable according to city, state and venue and applies to amphitheater shows throughout the U.S. and Canada.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Also, run a dehumidifier to keep your basement or crawl space dry, and apply mold-resistant paints, materials, and cleaners to curb mold and mildew growth.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
This names someone who can pay your bills and otherwise handle your finances if you become incapacitated.—
Liz Weston,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2025
-
The person said contractors are deeply embedded in FOIA processing across some federal agencies, with contracting staff handling nearly every step of the process: drafting acknowledgment letters, collecting and reviewing records, applying redactions, and preparing final responses.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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