utilize

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

Synonyms of utilize

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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

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.
Daily cargo operations The limestone transported by MV Yampu will be utilized to produce cement for homes, schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure in Victoria and South Australia. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Searchers utilized the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office’s drone team along with search and rescue volunteers, the news release said. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Hall is one of the most explosive backs in the NFL, with the ability to make an impact as a pass catcher — something past offensive coordinators failed to utilize. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Indigenous peoples in the southeast have long utilized a plant called yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) for a culturally important drink, which also contains the same alkaloids. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilize

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilize was in 1807

Rhymes for utilize

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Browse Nearby Words

utilization review
utilize
utilizer
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Cite this Entry

“Utilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilize. Accessed 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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