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

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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

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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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as in liking

positive regard for something I have no use for slackers

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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 of use in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The forthcoming thriller stars Moore as an aging celebrity who uses a mysterious elixir that produces a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley. —

Hannah Malach, WWD, 17 Sep. 2024 Here's a look at how the infrastructure many residents use regularly performed. —

Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 17 Sep. 2024

Noun

The new control center at Hangar X debuted last year, and NASA approved its use for the launch of an astronaut crew to the International Space Station in August 2023. —

Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2024 In water usage and packaging, Lauren decreased total water use across its operations and value chain by 26 percent from its fiscal year 2020 baseline. —

Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for use

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'use.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.