UTILIZE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'utilize' contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and use are common synonyms of utilize . While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something. // an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Q: When is it sensible to use 'employ' instead of 'utilize'?

Although the words employ and utilize 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 would 'use' be a good substitute for 'utilize'?

The words use and utilize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end. // willing to use any means to achieve her ends

utilize

verb

ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz

Definition of utilize next

as in to use

to put into action or service we must utilize all the tools at our disposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb utilize contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and use are common synonyms of utilize. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

When is it sensible to use employ instead of utilize?

Although the words employ and utilize 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 would use be a good substitute for utilize?

The words use and utilize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

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 utilize In addition to its use by Themis, Prometheus will also be utilized by ArianeGroup subsidiary MaiaSpace to power its partially reusable Maia rocket. —

Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025 Last year, Lee introduced the Lee Golf Series, a collection men’s golf tops and bottoms that utilize fabrics from its popular performance-stretch casual apparel, as well as handbags and collaborations with Hey Dude and Alpha Industries. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Jan. 2025 What to Know The nationwide surge in the usage of Starlink followed a Forbes report, published in December, that noted 20,000 Iranians were utilizing the service to bypass government restrictions online and censorship. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 Nvidia — Shares gained 2.5% after the company announced new gaming chips for PCs utilizing its Blackwell technology at CES in Las Vegas. —

Samantha Subin, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for utilize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilize

Verb

Elsewhere in the tiny house is a third, smaller bedroom that could also be used for storage.

— Adam Williams, New Atlas, 19 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, runway photography will also be taken on iPhones, as will close-ups using the telephoto capabilities.

— Lily Templeton, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025