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

Trust is built through transparency and accountability and must be embedded into the full AI life cycle to give all stakeholders confidence in their organization’s ability to utilize new technologies safely and deliberately. —Mark Brown, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

How often do customers utilize the replay functionality? —David Silberman, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2024

Some previous tours under the band’s name that had not included all the original players had utilized Etty Lau Farrell and other dancers on stage, but the singer went along with the other musicians’ wishes to not include that element. —Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024

One reason for this is because of thermoregulation - the body's way of maintaining core body temperature by affecting skin blood flow and utilizing energy stores. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

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