use 1 of 2

Definition of usenext
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
Related Stories Laird plays Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, a daughter of the lower-middle classes who uses her skills as a portrait painter to hustle her way into the royal court of Versailles. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 15 May 2026 This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive. Data Skrive, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Noun
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026 Weatherproof outdoor power strips can be purchased for any outdoor jobs, and specialized industrial strips exist for high-voltage uses. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • Moon Bar will serve food as well, mostly bar snacks that, similar to the drinks, utilize some Asian ingredients.
    Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Production vehicles can park once while utilizing dissimilar looks; locations can jump from a Victorian home to a ranch house to a gritty industrial setting without a company move.
    Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Plus, the latest on the condition of the sloths being treated at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and the next steps in their care.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
  • The birth control shot shouldn’t be treated differently.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The Criminal Division will not allow foreign actors to exploit the American financial system and use it as a safe haven for the proceeds of their corruption.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Brunson’s defense and the lack of rim protection from Towns remain weaknesses, but nobody has come close to exploiting them so far.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Mamdani intends to cut the median time for approvals from 210 to to 100 days via a mix of simplifying income verification, speeding up the process for lottery winners to be selected, and streamlining the applications, among other things.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • This included implementing an electronic application process and introducing a mobile application center designed to make the hiring process more efficient and accessible to prospective applicants.
    Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Besides its aesthetic appearance and usefulness as an herb, dill also helps deter aphids from the garden—always a threat to roses.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
  • Jefferson proved his usefulness soon after his arrival, when he was placed on a committee with John Dickinson to draft a declaration—not the declaration, which was still a year away, but rather a list of complaints for King George III.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma will certainly not be to everyone’s liking.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • To keep the eggs from overcooking, remove the skillet from the heat just before the eggs are set to your liking.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Some portion of eligible people are probably discouraged from applying at all, believing the lottery system to be rigged or pointless.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • Exclusions include clearance items and gift cards, and the discount is applied to the subtotal before tax and shipping/handling at checkout with the promo code.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Wear gloves when handling it and wash your hands immediately after.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
  • The conversion is being handled by SDFX Studios (formerly Stereo D), the same company del Toro worked with on Pacific Rim.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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