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 If no tag, take the pet to a vet or shelter for a microchip scan, utilizing online lookup tools. — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Supporting grid demand The firms will also utilize knowledge gained from Holtec’s first SMR-300 project at the Palisades site in Michigan. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 In order to slow down enough to avoid falling into the sun, MESSENGER utilized the gravitational pull of Venus and Mercury with multiple flybys along the way. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The city buses run like clockwork and are much beloved and utilized by residents. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilize
  1. use
  2. apply
  3. exploit
  4. employ
Verb
  • Clay regularly advises organizations on using existential psychology and behavioral science to improve their products, services, and workplace culture.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The little device that could cause big trouble Federal investigators are looking into mini computer devices commonly used by water utilities and other organizations.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of use
Verb
  • This now applies to veterans, homeless individuals, young adults aging out of foster care, parents of 14- to 17-year-olds and those aged 55 to 64.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026
  • If the shooter is reckless, like firing a weapon into the air, a state law regarding reckless behavior would apply.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • The breaches signal that AI’s expanding capabilities are already fueling the security threat experts long feared and even top developers can be caught off-guard by flaws their models can exploit.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026
  • Raoul has joined lawsuits against both Meta and TikTok, alleging the companies have addictive designs that exploit children.
    — Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of exploit
Verb
  • Kyiv has accused the e-commerce giant — which employs thousands of people and has become a key part of the economy — of storing drone parts and helping the Russian army.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • So the Chiefs employed two of the worst-six running backs in their ability to make people miss.
    — Sam McDowell July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on utilize

Nglish: Translation of utilize for Spanish Speakers

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