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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
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Indiana editor. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 7 Jan. 2026 One thing that’s been on my list of must-dos is becoming more consistent with using eye cream. Eva Thomas, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
Recommendations include cleaning it every other use or putting the basket, tray, and pan in the dishwasher. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026 Amenities will include private shuttles to and from the slopes and use of bikes to cycle around town. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
Verb
  • The mini-flying probe will utilize active shock-absorption technology to safely land on slopes.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But Hall said this bill, which could be considered by the House when lawmakers reconvene in February, has the potential to harm those youth too because a lot of people experiencing homelessness and utilizing services and shelters are families with children.
    Troy Isbell, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Doctors and medical practices who wanted to avoid the hassle and headaches of dealing with insurers, or who wanted to be able to treat uninsured patients, were sometimes open to unorthodox payment methods.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Their over 200 guests were then treated to dinner under a tent by the lake.
    Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Outside the capital, guerrilla groups and organized crime syndicates are exploiting the power vacuum along Venezuela’s borders and in its resource-rich interior.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The set is user-friendly and lasts up to two weeks with proper application.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Military stress applications The company says the system has already seen use beyond civilian wellness settings.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As a result, the rearrangement was largely considered impossible to use in modern asymmetric catalysis, despite its potential usefulness.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Their usefulness remains an open question At the back of a conference hall at the Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas, a humanoid robot twitched through a preprogrammed wave for a crowd of cell phone cameras—a classic scene of high spectacle and unclear utility at CES.
    Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the smooth texture, the skirt features dainty lace trim accents across the middle and around the hem, a vintage floral pattern, and a delicate drawstring at the waist to adjust the fit to your liking.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Washington under both Republican and Democratic presidents has thrown America’s weight around to mold the region to its liking.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This impressive deal only applies to the six-piece set, which includes five compression packing cubes and one drawstring bag in select colors.
    Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The two, a male and a female, were hospitalized with gunshot wounds after Portland police officers applied a tourniquet on scene.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Perception is handled through a dual-lidar setup consisting of Halo and Sentinel systems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Questions regarding vehicle maintenance and specifications are handled by the City of Chicago's Fleet & Facility Management department, which manages all municipal equipment.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on use

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