utility 1 of 2

noun

yü-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce utility (audio)
Definition of utilitynext
as in usefulness
the capacity for being useful for some purpose the store specializes in gee-whiz gadgetry of dubious utility

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utility

2 of 2

adjective

as in other

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Dissimilar Words

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 utility
Noun
Residents are dealing with climbing rent and housing costs, rising utility bills and buckled streets and sidewalks. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 This is one of the reasons that in recent years utilities outperformed staples. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The Rays were also at the forefront of other innovations and/or adjustments, such as defensive shifts, lineup platoons, matchup bullpens, star-quality super-utility players and putting a numbers nerd (technically a process and analytics coach) in the dugout. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 Heriberto Hernandez and super-utility player Javier Sanoja were the only right-handed hitters who could see steady time in the outfield. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utility
  1. usefulness
  2. other
  3. use
  4. different
  5. avail
  6. alternative
  7. makeshift
  8. separate
Noun
  • Their usefulness will depend on reliable navigation, robust fault responses and effective coordination between onboard systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Many conservationists argue that living species possess an inherent right to exist independent of their usefulness to human beings.
    — David Ginsburg, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of usefulness
Adjective
  • But Griffin’s focus on the Times story and other fallout has, acquaintances say, continued.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But many voters turned their backs on the party when Lula and other leaders became embroiled in corruption scandals in the 2010s.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of other
Noun
  • More flexible communications could help commanders make better use of available radar coverage.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Although the mattress developed some minor misshaping after a month of heavy use, Moon still thinks it’s packed with value.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of use
Adjective
  • Kwan’s push to expand the family office’s geographical footprint correlates with global wealth flows, as HNWIs worldwide look to diversify their assets across different geographies.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The result offers researchers a different way to approach quantum material design.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of different
Noun
  • Davis Webb has tried to make the run game the main actor in his opening scripts, to little avail.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, Washington strove to align perceptions across theaters, to little avail.
    — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of avail
Adjective
  • This is where alternative funding solutions like invoice factoring and invoice financing may be able to better serve a business’s needs.
    — Andrew Coon, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • China drew on strategic reserves, alternative pipeline imports, and fuel switching.
    — Dr. Sarah Kapnick, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • George describes residents taking in people who had lost their homes, workers restoring the water supply and the McAllister Hotel serving as a makeshift hospital.
    — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This all plays out with a lot of frequent jarring tonal mismatches, and some bafflingly overwrought dramatic beats, especially around Vision’s makeshift self-repair.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • Davis’s letter follows a separate ethics complaint filed by a conservative watchdog group to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics over Slotkin’s University of Chicago remarks, first reported by the Washington Examiner on Tuesday.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Ticketmaster also faces a separate lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission and seven states.
    — James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of separate

Browse Nearby Words

utilitarian
utility
utilizable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utility. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utility

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