use 1 of 2

1
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

use

2 of 2

noun

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

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 use
Verb
Dropbox recommends using the desktop app to upload entire folders and large files since the website uploader has a 10GB limit. Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Though using diamond could be more effective and safer than using other particles, the price may not allow the feasibility of such diamond-tossing. Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
Instead, the Packer Coat stood up to heavy use, abrasion, and bad weather with style. Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 In Florida, the state has banned cellphone use in classrooms in an attempt to reprioritize focused learning. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for use 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • Around 75,000 people in the study used some type of medication to treat alcohol use disorder.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • All of us deserve to be treated equally and all of us deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 5 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
Noun
  • The company continues to focus on expanding its mobile application platform and monetization strategies.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Likewise, Microsoft gives Microsoft 365 applications to subscribers.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Nevada, with its six Electoral College votes, is by far the least populous of the swing states, which means that its usefulness comes up in far fewer scenarios.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This year’s list has over 100 gift ideas for everyone in your life, and one in particular stood out thanks to its usefulness and affordability.
    Bridget Degnan, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Sending a strong message will ensure any changes that transpire are to your liking.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Top with crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, cilantro, and sour cream to your liking.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Premises Liability and Catastrophic Injuries: Injuries occurring on someone else's property due to unsafe conditions or catastrophic injuries that result in permanent disability are also areas where personal injury law applies.
    Chris Gallagher, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Anyone can apply to enter, submissions are free, and the deadline for entry is December 12, 2024.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This handles installations and updates, as well as syncs your files online.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • After Tyla’s debut album was controversially moved from R&B to pop, the nominations did little to restore confidence in the Academy’s ability to handle African music.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near use

Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on use

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