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

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 use
Verb
Traditional saunas warm the air—typically using heated rocks—which in turn warms your body from the outside in. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2025 The president is using the results of a Section 232 investigation, conducted by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, as the justification for the sector-specific tariffs. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2025 More promising still is Dell’s use of Salesforce’s AI agents to automate parts of its supply chain, including onboarding new suppliers, which has cut its average onboarding time from months to days. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • The church also proposed adding space for hydroponic farming that would supply produce for the community and terrace farming that could be utilized by the residents.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Belmont senior midfielder’s red face showed exhaustion from yet another big matchup she was heavily utilized in.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Senior Democrats are treating Saturday’s demonstrations as a show of strength and are urging participants to be peaceful amid fears disorder could be used to justify an administration crackdown.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Fans of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie were treated to an animatronics line in June, featuring an over 5-foot tall Victor, Emily, along with a 2-foot tall Sparky.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As European nations—including France—maintained colonial rule, exploiting millions of people of color across the globe, Nardal wielded her writings as a weapon to challenge the global color line.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • There are reservations, though, about the intertwining of Christianity and conservative politics, and opportunistic politicians exploiting a movement to suit their agenda.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For his part, Elliott has impressed Villa personnel with his attitude and application, which chimes with Emery’s coaching staff’s uber-meticulous professional standards.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As Vice Chair of the IEEE Quantum Computing Standards Project, she’s involved in setting global frameworks and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of new applications for groundbreaking technology.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But with the advent of new materials and technologies in the latter half of the 20th century, many of these styles outlived their usefulness in the original contexts they were meant to be worn.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The pair abducted Lee to make amends, and Allen killed them for outliving their usefulness, which was minimal anyway.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To be honest, this is a bit too hot for my liking, but high-proof fans will geek out on this.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The single bathroom has a stand-up shower and the finishes are customized to your liking—think faux marble on the walls.
    Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The chain embellishment was applied to multiple styles, be in the short pump or a taller slingback, and stood out against different colors.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Use a mop to apply the bleach solution to the floors, covering a small area at a time and working in a figure-eight or side-to-side pattern.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The utility also has detention basins at its Peak Flow Attenuation Facility, located off Scott Hamilton Drive, that are meant to allow the system to handle significant rain events.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Thankfully, our providers handled our pregnancy with so much care and grace knowing our history.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on use

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