utilize

1 of 2

verb

uti·​lize ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
utilized; utilizing
Synonyms of utilize

transitive verb

: to make use of : turn to practical use or account
… I'm a great person for utilizing waste power.—Robert Frost
utilizable
ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce utilize (audio)
adjective
utilization
ˌyü-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce utilize (audio)
noun
utilizer
ˈyü-tə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce utilize (audio)
noun

utilization

2 of 2

noun

uti·​li·​za·​tion
variants also British utilisation
ˌyütᵊlə̇ˈzāshən, 
-ütᵊl-, 
-ᵊlˌīˈ-
plural -s
: the action of utilizing or the state of being utilized
the utilization of quotations from archives—C. H. Driver
utilization of glucose in the liver
the disparity between the established drawing rights and their rate of utilization—R. F. Mikesell

Synonyms of utilize

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for utilize

use, employ, utilize 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

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

utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Examples of utilize in a Sentence

Verb Many of the library's resources are not utilized by townspeople. we must utilize all the tools at our disposal
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Shawn Vanderhoven is a partner at The Wiseman Group, a thought leadership and consulting firm working with many of the biggest and brightest companies in the S&P and focusing on developing a leader's ability to fully utilize their people’s talent. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026 Joseph Padron, who helped design and build the facility, said the plant utilizes sophisticated nano-filtration technology that sets it apart from previous systems. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The Hualong One utilizes a 177-fuel-assembly core that improves fuel burnup efficiency. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 As a junior last season, Howard was utilized on flare screens and jet runs to optimize his explosive speed and quickness. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilize

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French utiliser, from utile

Noun

French utilisation, from utiliser to utilize + -ation

First Known Use

Verb

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilize was in 1807

Rhymes for utilize

See All Rhymes for utilize

Browse Nearby Words

utilization review
utilize
utilizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Utilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilize. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

utilize

verb
uti·​lize ˈyüt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
utilized; utilizing
: to make use of especially for a certain job
utilization
ˌyüt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce utilize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on utilize

Nglish: Translation of utilize for Spanish Speakers

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