USE Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

use 1 of 2

verb

ˈyüz

Definition of use next

as in to utilize

to put into action or service I will need to use the large hammer for this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to treat

to behave toward in a stated way the factory workers were underpaid and poorly used by their employers

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as in to exploit

to take unfair advantage of I was paying for everything on our little outing, and I was starting to feel like I was being used

Synonyms & Similar Words

use

2 of 2

noun

ˈyüs

as in application

the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the use of boom boxes is strictly prohibited in the park

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in usefulness

the capacity for being useful for some purpose the broken grill isn't going to be of much use in cooking the hamburgers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in liking

positive regard for something I have no use for slackers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The suspect used cash and a fake ID during his stay at a Manhattan hostel, where he was briefly captured without his mask on security footage. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 Three Prime build uses an RTX 4090 graphics card, despite its specs saying otherwise. —

Wes Davis, The Verge, 8 Dec. 2024

Noun

Our skin was noticeably more hydrated and less puffy with ongoing use. —

L.a. Hubilla, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 For those items, Ayoub recommends using large moving bags which can be repurposed for use in your day to day life after the move. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for use

Recent Examples of Synonyms for use

Verb

Each bottle utilizes a blend of liquids from the 4, 5, 6, and 7-year barrels.

Erik Ofgang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
The timeline for Carr's return is unknown, but New Orleans will utilize backups Haener and Spencer Rattler in the coming weeks.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024