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employ

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb employ contrast with its synonyms?

The words use and utilize are common synonyms of employ. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," 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

Where would use be a reasonable alternative to employ?

Although the words use and employ have much in common, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

When is it sensible to use utilize instead of employ?

While the synonyms utilize and employ are close in meaning, 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 employ
Verb
Paul allegedly used Adderall and cocaine to stay awake while employed and would go long periods without sleeping – once for up to three days. Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 One operation that usually employs 150 pickers is down to 20. Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Noun
What kinds of metrics does a good AI literacy program employ? Ben Jones, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 That the 2025 Red Sox had someone in their employ who did not know Hall of Famer Jim Rice once labored for the Local Nine remains an affront to history. Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for employ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for employ
Verb
  • The Raiders, having recently hired former Seattle coach Pete Carroll, emerged as a potential trade partner.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Mamdani’s campaign has recently hired security amid an uptick in threats leveled against him.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • On Wednesday, police in Seattle used pepper spray to clear out protesters, and officers in Denver used smoke and pepper balls to control a crowd.
    Krysta Fauria, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • Could breeze through the low-minors using just his fastball, but secondary stuff needs work to reach his potential, and focus on development of those pitches will likely slow down his development and lead to more mixed results in some outings.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • However, today’s teens also face more competition for college and a heavier focus on academic and extracurricular achievements, hence the lower rates of employment among 16 and 19-year-olds.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 16 June 2025
  • Designed for an era of predictable employment and linear economic growth, the monthly salary once met the needs of both employers and workers.
    Arbia Smiti, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The filmmaker hatched the idea after reading an article about gay rehabilitation centers and recruited Brian Wayne Peterson to write the script.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2025
  • Among them was a marathon sectional championship game against Lincoln-Way Central and Florida State recruit Lisabella Dimitrijevic.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • This is another area in which the general manager is attempting to utilize restraint.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • Command Center also utilizes predictive analytics to help hospitals plan for the future.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Rather than engaging defenders with dribbling, Quenda has both threaded and clipped passes in behind from deeper/wider areas for onrushing team-mates to finish.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Mulberry said the structure of the deal is still being determined, and the board is engaging both with Challice and the brand’s substantial minority shareholder Frasers Group.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • International distributors can apply for up to €50,000 ($57,380) per title for theatrical distribution of Italian films in their territories.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Tell us your inspiration for rescuing the ancestral tequila-making methods of the past.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • This hypothetical No 9 would push opposition back lines towards their own goal, giving further space for Fernandes and other team-mates to exploit.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • The farmer may lack the experience and capital, or otherwise, to exploit that potential commercial use.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Employ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/employ. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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