1
as in to utilize
to put into action or service
I will need to use the large hammer for this project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in liking
positive regard for something
I have no use for slackers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of use
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Kendall Hunter, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Dust tends to build up quickly, especially in rooms that get a lot of use.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for use
Verb
However, Sheriff Chris Nanos reportedly decided to use a different lab, one in Florida.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
For those wanting an even gentler entry point, Experience Centers now offer skis with universal bindings (similar to those on snowboards) for use with personal footwear on flatter terrain, so no downhill skills are required.
—Kendall Hunter, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Dust tends to build up quickly, especially in rooms that get a lot of use.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
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To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
-
In the costuming department, the show utilized more than 1,000 yards of fabric and 1/2 mile of fringe with 90 types of fabrics represented.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Thursday’s move reflects lawmakers’ significant interest in how foreign allies treat American companies.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Lovely was arrested in connection with the stabbing and is also being treated at Atrium Hospital.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But the threat of extremist nihilistic groups goes beyond individual harm to exploited children, the federal memos obtained by CNN show.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
But experts say that the state program has lacked thorough oversight and accountability, allowing a small group of manufacturers to exploit the program’s robust endowments.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Callella, 42, is accused of using a voice over internet protocol text and call application to surreptitiously reach out to the family, but authorities were able to link the phone number to his email address and, later, his residence, according to the complaint.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Future versions are projected to extend driving range to around 310–372 miles (500–600 kilometers), expanding suitability beyond short-range applications.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the lead-up to the TrumpRx launch, Democratic members of Congress questioned its usefulness and urged federal health regulators to delay its debut.—
Gavin J. Quinton,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
While quantum computers continue to slowly grind towards usefulness, some are pursuing a different approach—analog quantum simulation.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Exaggerated Shapes Swabb is ready to move on from curved furniture and scalloped details galore, finding these styles to be a bit overused for her liking.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The other, Damari, the middle child, has taken a liking for a different team.—
Sam McDowell
February 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Eight of these units were connected to each other and a linear actuator was installed at one end of the line to apply the force needed to activate the elastocaloric effect.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Regardless of the type, apply the fertilizer in late winter to prepare your tree for the upcoming growing season.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In contrast to task-specific systems like Isaac 0, companies such as Figure AI have developed general-purpose humanoids, such as the Figure 02, designed to handle a wide range of industrial and household tasks rather than specializing in a single task.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Its network handles a range of freight services, including bulk commodity exports.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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