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

Examples 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 appeal to this age group, marketers should utilize: • Video Creatives: Explain the product in a question-and-answer format that addresses all potential questions and dispels as much doubt as possible. Boris Abaev, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Allowing the grapes to speak for themselves, Brewer utilizes a gravity-flow winery and works with neutral barrels that have already seen between 10 and 25 years of use. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024 Unlike the brand’s other stand mixers, Professional Series mixers utilize a bowl-lift design instead of a tilt-head design and come with larger bowl capacities ranging from 5 quarts to 7 quarts. Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2024 Shah states that the challenges of utilizing these properties for affordable housing lie in addressing design, cost, and more. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utilize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilize
Verb
  • One bird tutor was then released into each group, so that the flock mates could learn to use one solution over another.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The groups’ American Electorate Voter Poll — using a larger Latino sample and additional techniques for polling Hispanics — flipped that outcome, with Harris winning 56% of Latino men to Trump’s 43%.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Director Bruce Goodison applies the tension well in the first two thirds of this efficient Shudder release, but then the plot smacks into a dead-end in its final act.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • This also applies to any Amazon EC2 instance that's been backed up.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Scientists are also trying to exploit the fungus’s sensitivity to temperature by building Bd-free habitats or moving frogs to locales where the fungus can’t survive.
    Martin J. Kernan, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Still, just last year, Chinese hackers exploited Microsoft security lapses to breach the email accounts of senior U.S. officials.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • As part of these tactics, China has levied tariffs and embargoes on Taiwanese exports, sought to increase Taiwan’s international isolation, and employed disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks meant to destabilize its people and government.
    David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Acronis Cyber Protect also employs machine learning to monitor performance and reliability.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near utilize

Cite this Entry

“Utilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on utilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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