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
It can also be used for applying marinades, vinegars and more. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2025 She’s used her songwriting acumen and work ethic to model a feminine sort of genius, in which fastidious care—not disruptive innovation—creates a body of nourishing art. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Dust, splash, and anti-smudge fluorine are incorporated into the design, so the lens is suitable for use both in a studio and outdoors. PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 Potential Benefits For Businesses For businesses, establishing offices within mixed-use communities means becoming part of the daily rhythm of residents’ lives. John Krpan, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • The solar panels produce electricity in DC current which is then converted to AC current utilized inside the building with an inverter.
    Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That’s what the lesson here is for me, to treat others with respect and kindness, to honor the wishes of the fallen, and to have this dream of a better future.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Walshe’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was treated overnight at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and returned to jail.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Jeffrey Breinholt, an architect of the material support statutes who spent three decades as a federal terrorism prosecutor, defends the laws as crucial to closing loopholes that were exploited by foreign militant groups and their domestic sympathizers.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Her 23-year-old son, Rahjah Ke’ Morton, recently accused her of exploiting his past cancer diagnosis for personal gain.
    Essence, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The other end of the spectrum are breaks that happen when a single application of force is applied to the bone.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Green then explained the medical and industrial applications for these new knits.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The robot is trained specially for disaster-response applications, requiring it to pass multiple tests to prove its usefulness.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Future Of Work With AI Meeting Assistants AI meeting assistants are still new for many organizations, but their usefulness is undeniable.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hummers will take advantage of most nectar that’s offered, but when the food and ambiance (clean feeders and no predators) are to their liking, word does get around.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It’s established right away that Ziva and Tony are friendly but romantically estranged co-parents who’ve found Europe to their mutual liking, but the exact nature of how their relationship changed over the last few years reveals itself in copious flashbacks.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With this certification program, employees can take short learning breaks and access ready-to-apply AI content on demand, instantly increasing their AI acumen.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The other end of the spectrum are breaks that happen when a single application of force is applied to the bone.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Bowlan will go over different notes from the pitching staff and check in with his veteran teammates for advice on pitch selection and how to handle high-leverage situations.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Canales likely doesn’t want to cause an issue, especially this early in the season, by mandating how the defensive play-caller handles his various rotations and depth chart.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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