utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz 

utilized; utilizing

transitive verb

: to make use of : turn to practical use or account

I'm a great person for utilizing waste power

—Robert Frost

utilizable

ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

utilization

ˌyü-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

utilizer

ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• apply
• employ
• exercise
• exploit
• harness
• operate
• use

Choose the Right Synonym for utilize

use, employ, utilize 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

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

utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Examples of utilize in a Sentence

Many of the library's resources are not utilized by townspeople.

we must utilize all the tools at our disposal

Recent Examples on the Web

For up-to-date Public Health Information and restoration of public utilities, please utilize the links and contacts below. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Apparel brands, for instance, utilize digital transparency to substantiate claims of ethical sourcing and achieve higher ratings on indices such as Fashion Revolution’s Transparency Index. —David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The Royals utilized Blanco as a pinch runner in important spots. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025

Back in 2017, Mr Porter utilized seven years of consumer insights to launch its own label with a team of designers and Mr Porter staff to create a collection of over 50 high-quality garments that their customers were craving with fairly reasonable price tags that merit the craftsmanship. —Adam Mansuroglu, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for utilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyüt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

utilized; utilizing

: to make use of especially for a certain job

utilization

ˌyüt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun