use 1 of 2

verb

ˈyüz How to pronounce use (audio)
Definition of usenext
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

use

2 of 2

noun

ˈyüs How to pronounce use (audio)
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use 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 is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

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 use
Verb
Through a careful expedition using cutting-edge technology, gold has been drawn from the site for the first time in years and will be available via public auction through the sale of the coins. — Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 These 12-week courses typically include work experience, can often be paid for using workforce grants, and allow students to return to the institution for other related and stackable credentials. 5. — Bruno V. Manno, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
However, many economists and consumer advocates say the widespread use of these services, plus a lack of transparency and little regulatory oversight, leaves them wondering just how much debt Americans are actually getting into. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 Clearly, this event was geared toward highlighting where AI is today, how it’s used, and where it’s headed, but any summit on the subject of the technology should not ignore the voices that oppose its use. — Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
  1. utilize
  2. treat
  3. exploit
  4. application
  5. usefulness
  6. liking
  7. apply
  8. handle
Verb
  • This means boosting sponsorships, developing grassroots initiatives, and utilizing tools like sim racing to make the sport more accessible.
    — Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • For up-to-date Public Health Information and restoration of public utilities, please utilize the links and contacts below.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • Director Kenneth Branagh treats the fairy tale with as much respect and elegance as a Shakespeare play, elevating the source material to something grander.
    — Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Other types of medication that could be prescribed to treat osteoporosis include: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs, RANKL inhibitor, sclerostin inhibitors, calcitonin analogs and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), according to the FDA. Making healthy lifestyle decisions.
    — Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of treat
Verb
  • If that weren’t enough, bad-faith actors exploit these dynamics, distorting reality for part of the population and deepening political divides.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • It is exploited to create scary scenes by using human-like NPCs that look and/or move weirdly.
    — Victor Erukhimov, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of exploit
Noun
  • Its 2025 edition attracted more than 4,500 applications from around the world, with a winner to be revealed in Madrid on June 29.
    — Miles Socha, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Native American Writers Seminar Calls for Summer Applications The Native American Media Alliance is accepting applications for the fifth annual Native American Writers Seminar, set to take place this summer from June to July.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of application
Noun
  • Full disclosure, this was a category borne of the pandemic that has largely outlived its usefulness.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This kind of convenience adds to Apple Wallet's usefulness.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of usefulness
Noun
  • But most coffee shops don't follow this closely, as the brewing machines allow baristas to configure water pressure, temperature, and other key variables to their liking.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Crack the eggs into the wells, season them, and put the pan in the oven until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
    — Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of liking
Verb
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    — Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • This article was generated by the Kansas City Star Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes structured information from TomTom and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom.
    — Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of apply
Verb
  • The policy lays out a process for handling complaints, allows district administrators to implement the policy and directs questions about it to the superintendent.
    — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In 2021, Saint-Cyr's sister joined the business to handle finances.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of handle

Phrases Containing use

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on use

Nglish: Translation of use for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about use

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