EMPLOY Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

employ 1 of 2

verb

im-ˈplȯi

Definition of employ next

as in to hire

to provide with a paying job a new factory that will employ 500 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to use

to put into action or service looking for a job in which she can employ her considerable writing skills

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

employ

2 of 2

noun

im-ˈplȯi

as in employment

the state of being provided with a paying job while you're under our employ, you can't do outside work for our competitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

After going down by double figures early, Rick Pitino employed his press to take advantage of UConn’s ball-handling weakness and ended up storming all the way back before halftime. —

Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2025 The Grove City plant currently employs 84 people, all of whom will be able to transfer to the new Litchfield facility, according to Dan Thielen, Bobcat Co. attachments plant manager. —

Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

From morning until night, the men under Gi-Hun’s employ scour the city’s subway platforms for the recruiter (Gong Yoo) — the handsome, besuited man who lures downtrodden folks to their (almost certain) death with a simple game of ddakji. —

Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024 His passionate commitment to freedom landed him in the employ of the new regime, Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate, as one of its most successful polemicists. —

Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for employ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for employ

Verb

United’s efforts to bridge the gap have involved hiring a running consultant.

— Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Belichick appeared roughly two months after he was hired as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

— Ryan Morik, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025