utilize

verb

ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
Definition of utilizenext
as in to use
to put into action or service we must utilize all the tools at our disposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb utilize contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and use are common synonyms of utilize. While all three words mean "to put into service especially to attain an end," utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

When is it sensible to use employ instead of utilize?

Although the words employ and utilize 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 would use be a good substitute for utilize?

The words use and utilize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

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 utilize The most direct routes to San Francisco and the East and South bays do not involve utilizing Highway 37. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 That's why scientists have designed a facial patch that does the job … and it could also be utilized right here on Earth. — Ben Coxworth october 23, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 Originally working out of the Crossroads neighborhood in the 1990s, Vest said that Hammerpress has always utilized the old form of printing and blending old production methods with new, like making printing plates from digital file designs. — Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 According to Sofia, Eleanor was frustrated that the material had only appeared in some promotional marketing materials without being utilized to its full potential. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilize
  1. use
  2. apply
  3. exploit
  4. employ
Verb
  • All three said West Point appears to be circumventing the judge's ruling by using a different justification to continue to enforce its speech rules.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Behind the scenes, Muse uses a collection of digital notes and instructions to guide its personality, actions and memory, all of which can be reviewed, edited and deleted.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of use
Verb
  • New safety requirements apply What sets the aircraft apart is its enhanced angle-of-attack system, which Boeing plans to introduce across the 737 MAX family.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The boy was a soccer player who was enchanted by the idea of camping in the woods; Charlotte was bright and cheery, sometimes applying glitter to her father’s mustache.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • That signal can be aggregated, correlated, and exploited by hostile foreign intelligence services to anticipate our movements, targets, and timing.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The researchers did not observe every capability being actively exploited, so account compromise should not be assumed without evidence.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of exploit
Verb
  • The location is set to employ around 100 people and will feature a full-service dining room and bar, private dining room, carryout, delivery and catering service, a news release from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Much of that growth came from banks and other financial firms hiring AI talent, though the Bay Area still employs more AI specialists.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of employ

Browse Nearby Words

utilizations
utilize
utilized
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Cite this Entry

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

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