utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz 

utilized; utilizing

transitive verb

: to make use of : turn to practical use or account

I'm a great person for utilizing waste power

—Robert Frost

utilizable

ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

utilization

ˌyü-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

utilizer

ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• apply
• employ
• exercise
• exploit
• harness
• operate
• use

Choose the Right Synonym for utilize

use, employ, utilize 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

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

utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Examples of utilize in a Sentence

Many of the library's resources are not utilized by townspeople.

we must utilize all the tools at our disposal

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The broader entertainment industry, including theme parks, has also utilized AI to create more enjoyable and memorable visits. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

The 1980s also marked the beginning of a trend in which U.S. multinationals boosted production offshore to utilize less expensive labor. —Nick Sargen, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyüt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

utilized; utilizing

: to make use of especially for a certain job

utilization

ˌyüt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun