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

Instead of a single strap, the Nao utilizes a harness system (with multiple adjustment points) for your head. —Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

The company utilized cash for acquisitions totaling $31.1 million and capital expenditures of $82.3 million during the same period. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Through genetic genealogy, law enforcement utilizes commercial DNA databases to find family matches to the DNA of a crime suspect, a victim or a missing person. —Antonio Planas, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024

In an effort to bring residents a new public space, Measure E proposes utilizing $290 million in bonds — a form of long-term borrowing authorized by the state to fund public improvements — for a new library near Sunnyvale City Hall. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

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