use 1 of 2

verb

ˈyüz How to pronounce use (audio)
Definition of usenext
1
as in to utilize
to put into action or service I will need to use the large hammer for this project

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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

use

2 of 2

noun

ˈyüs How to pronounce use (audio)
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

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
The bonus bets will be separate wagers that do not have to be used on the same market. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 In 2024, Summers performed an Off-Broadway show about his life titled The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers, which used Double Dare to tell his life story. —Victoria Edel, People.com, 31 May 2025
Noun
The government stated that these listings violated short-term rental rules, including the use of missing or fake license numbers and unclear ownership details. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 Always consult your stovetop model's use and care guide for specific recommendations and best practices on maintenance. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for use
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use
  1. utilize
  2. treat
  3. exploit
  4. application
  5. usefulness
  6. liking
  7. apply
  8. handle
Verb
  • Treatments include massages utilizing a mixture of orange, clove, ginger and seaweed, or emulating the movements of the sea to relieve muscular tension; a seaweed leaf wrap to soften and nourish the skin and skin renewal facials.
    — Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The abominable snowman terrorized the North Pole with his size and sheer power, but by the end of the show, Santa Claus and the elves found a way to turn perceived negatives into actual positives by utilizing the snowman’s height to place a star at the top of the Christmas tree.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • After managing your business affairs, treat yourself to a solo date and a night on the town.
    — Essence, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • For years, 5G wireless and fiber broadband were treated as separate revolutions—each promising to transform industries in its own right.
    — Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of treat
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
Definition of exploit
Noun
  • The Front Page Highlights Trump Pardoned Tax Cheat After Mother Attended $1 Million Dinner Paul Walczak’s pardon application cited his mother’s support for the president, including raising millions of dollars and a connection to a plot to publicize a Biden family diary.
    — Kenneth P. Vogel Aaron Boxerman Christina Jewett Lydia DePillis, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • For the other half, AI applications could take over tasks currently performed by humans, potentially reducing labor demand, wages and hiring.
    — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Definition of application
Noun
  • These settings are ideal for astrophotography, while the overall focal range further increases its usefulness when shooting a variety of night sky compositions.
    — James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025
  • An Internet where a World ID is required to access most services might impede the usefulness of the agents that OpenAI and others are developing.
    — Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 May 2025
Definition of usefulness
Noun
  • Exchanges are not for comparing notes or calling each other’s attention to something that was not done to your liking.
    — Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
  • In March, the United States proposed an immediate, limited 30-day truce, which Ukraine accepted, but the Kremlin has held out for terms more to its liking.
    — SAMYA KULLAB, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Definition of liking
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
Definition of apply
Verb
  • Intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants can handle many customer queries, freeing up human agents for more complex interactions.
    — Ivan Ostojić, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The Yanks lobbed them the title, and the Dodgers were barely able to handle the throw.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of handle

Phrases Containing use

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Cite this Entry

“Use.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on use

Nglish: Translation of use for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about use

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