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
Trump tariffs President Donald Trump has used executive power to raise tariffs against China to 145%. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 Once again, Song uses a love triangle plot to explore her ideas about self-actualization. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Noun
At the service desk, patrons will be required to watch videos about proper use and how to properly lock the bikes up. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025 Investing funds to prevent and end homelessness is a wise use of federal dollars. Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • This is another area in which the general manager is attempting to utilize restraint.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • Command Center also utilizes predictive analytics to help hospitals plan for the future.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Since the advent of neoliberalism in the late seventies, political leaders have increasingly treated governance like corporate management, turning citizens into customers and privatizing services.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • All six victims are still being treated, with one listed was seriously injured while the others received more minor injuries, according to police.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Whether climate denial, corporate lobbying or inequitable wealth distribution, our systems often reward those who can exploit the system without regard for their impact on long-term system health.
    Maureen Metcalf, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Only in these areas will humanitarian aid be provided—by an American company under direct Israeli security arrangements—to avoid previous distribution arrangements that were exploited by Hamas.
    Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • However, the idea of the prospective name change was dropped when the passports for Harry and Meghan's son Archie, 6, and daughter Lilibet, 4, arrived almost six months after their applications were first submitted.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
  • The high court is expected to issue order lists on applications over the next three Mondays in June.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Over time, though, as circumstances changed, the usefulness of those crops came to an end, and they were abandoned and then forgotten… Until 2013.
    Elisabetta Tosi, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • But these officials, too, question the safety and usefulness of at least some vaccines, and seek to slow or stop their use.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Close lid to grill and bake three to five minutes to your liking.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
  • Taste, and add more dressing, a little at a time, until the salad is dressed to your liking.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • If the individual is a non-resident, non-citizen of the U.S., the federal estate tax applies only to assets situated or deemed to be situated within the U.S. (for example, U.S. real property or stock in a U.S. corporation).
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The reports indicate 20 people have applied with the city for up to $7,000 in emergency rental assistance for new apartments, and 16 have met the eligibility requirements.
    Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • For fintech founders, that edge is rarely in building internal compliance systems, managing bank integrations or handling payments infrastructure from the ground up.
    Serge Beck, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Production is being handled by Fortiche Films (Jérôme Combe, Hervé Dupont), with Les Storygraphes and ARTE France onboard as co-producers.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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