use 1 of 2

1
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

use

2 of 2

noun

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

Example 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 use
Verb
This is down to interest from global industry heavyweights who, according to Verge, expressed a desire to use the Finnish brand's technology and expertise. New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025 Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
They can be pulled by hand, mowed down in lawns and treated with broadleaf weed-control herbicides made for use as labeled for areas of your landscape. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025 While the Army and Navy hope to soon deploy the first US hypersonic missile for use in combat, the military continues pursuing more advanced hypersonic technology. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • The secret is that Costco utilizes only roasted almonds to yield a rich, somewhat sweet spread without any additives, including salt, sugar, or oils.
    Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Green is a versatile player out of Marshall, and Gannon could utilize his speed and power to disrupt the pocket. 17.
    Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To avoid these pitfalls, companies need to treat office redesign as a change management project—not just a facilities project.
    Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • If adding square footage was at the tippy-top of the designer’s remodel punch list, treating it to a character boost was a close second.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Diamondbacks stole five bases in four innings, exploiting Cabrera’s deliberate delivery to the plate.
    Isaac Azout, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • At Coachella, defaults are rare, but the $4 million fee haul shows promoters profit handsomely, raising ethical questions about exploiting fans’ FOMO.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Many states beefed up staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting workers from other parts of state unemployment agencies to customer service, but moved them back to their old positions as the spike in applications ebbed, Traub said.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The Biden administration stopped processing IDR applications in August 2024, allowing a backlog of 1.9 million application forms to build up.
    Preston Cooper, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Every business of every size needs to analyze and assess the validity and usefulness of its processes at least every two years.
    Brenda Abdilla, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Labor—the activity of turning nonhuman nature into human usefulness—lies at the heart of all societies.
    Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The white sneaker can even be customized to your liking in subtle ways, from a high platform version to contrasting leather details in a variety of colors.
    Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The new blushes are designed for the same purpose—treating skin as the primary focus, while the color can be customized to your liking.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If an institution like Harvard cannot resist tyranny when applied to it, then who can? KARL (voice-over): The Ivy League University refuses Trump's latest demands, putting billions in federal funding on the line.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Charades will handle international sales, while UTA Independent Film Group will rep U.S. rights.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Some European countries handle the conflict between farmers and the predators by compensating farmers for livestock losses.
    Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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