1
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
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
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
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in liking
positive regard for something
I have no use for slackers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of use
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
The participants didn’t use snorkels or fins but instead held their breath while diving deep into the ocean, often off La Jolla.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
Brent McDonald, New York Times, 31 July 2025
More specifically, Wagner said, California could leverage its technology use better when approaching the business climate, especially with Silicon Valley’s expertise, to streamline processes for business owners.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for use
Verb
How will Nashville's geology impact construction of the Music City Loop?
To cut through the limestone and hard rock beneath Nashville, The Boring Company will use Prufrock tunnel boring machines (TBMs), which rely on rotating disc cutters and high thrust to excavate solid formations.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
The participants didn’t use snorkels or fins but instead held their breath while diving deep into the ocean, often off La Jolla.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
Noun
The Air Force base in Alexandria had shut down in 1992, and the state was looking to make use of the infrastructure beyond Alexandria International Airport, which opened on the site a year later.
—Brent McDonald, New York Times, 31 July 2025
More specifically, Wagner said, California could leverage its technology use better when approaching the business climate, especially with Silicon Valley’s expertise, to streamline processes for business owners.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
-
But McDaniels kept utilizing big formations even when Hooper was out, which suggests the Patriots will likely lean on a lot of 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) this season.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
-
Under Johnson's leadership, Silicon Labs shifted its focus exclusively to wireless chips, which are utilized by customers in Internet of Things products.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
The 42-year-old Border Patrol agent, who was shot in the face and arm, was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he is being treated and is expected to survive, authorities said.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
20 July 2025
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Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
Given that many forms of manufacturing are labor-intensive, any country where the cost of labor is lower than the cost in the U.S. can exploit such an opportunity.—
Sheldon H. Jacobson,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
-
Lunn promised to provide low-cost necessities—groceries, coal, and ice for the pre-electric era iceboxes—by starting city-run businesses to compete with private merchants who exploited their poor customers.—
Time,
Time,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
No food rewards will be available on the Chick-fil-A Play app, which is different from the flagship Chick-fil-A application.—
Alex Perry,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
-
The fee will not be collected until after the application is accepted.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
While the usefulness of AI features may be debatable, years of OS and software support are not, which gives Samsung the decisive edge.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
12 July 2025
-
Teens recognized the usefulness of navigation apps, but simultaneously acknowledged the risk of accidents associated with taking their eyes off the road. What People Are Saying Robbins told Newsweek that distracted driving endangers young people, but also the traveling public around them.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Avs coach Jared Bednar took a bit of a liking to him last year before the suspension.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
10 July 2025
-
Neeson recalls taking an immediate liking to the idea of starring in a Naked Gun reboot.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
The formula was applied to the target amounts that were distributed in January.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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Upgrades were applied to both the passive and active components, enhancing the overall integrity of the existing ESL 2812 and ESL 2912 models.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
The next court hearing, Dugan said, could be handled over Zoom.—
Daniel Bice,
jsonline.com,
30 July 2025
-
Dhillon said that the division will monitor how local authorities handle this incident.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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