using

verb

present participle of use
1
as in utilizing
to put into action or service I will need to use the large hammer for this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in treating
to behave toward in a stated way the factory workers were underpaid and poorly used by their employers

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in exploiting
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

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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 using Researchers have developed a new vision algorithm that lets humanoid robots perceive depth more like humans, using two forward-facing eyes. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Earlier this month, The Financial Times appended a note to a guest column after readers questioned whether it was written using AI. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The team investigated the mechanism using in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 What Washington could do China imports Iranian oil using a shadowy system that’s by design insulated from the US dollar system – and sanctions. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Among their requests is that a judge force the state to accept photocopies of eligible ID forms and also to rescind guidance requiring people using certain ID types to register in person. — CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 For about a quarter century, Kentucky distillery Four Roses has been making bourbon using a combination of 10 different recipes, derived from the use of two mashbills and five unique yeast strains. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 The Triglav Lodge, Slovenia’s highest-altitude guest hut at an elevation of 2,515 meters (8,251 feet), is using paper plates this summer to save water on dishes. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for using
  1. utilizing
  2. treating
  3. exploiting
  4. applying
  5. handling
  6. abusing
  7. employing
  8. serving
Verb
  • Quantum sensors accomplish extraordinary sensitivity to gravity, magnetic fields, acceleration, rotation, and time by utilizing quantum phenomena.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Five new food carts will be open to all fans on the concourse at the north end, utilizing the new 37,000-square-foot open space that connects the east and west sides of the stadium.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of utilizing
Verb
  • While safety and code compliance matter, treating high-profile participants with escalating six-figure penalties risks chilling the very partners that amplify San Diego’s largest annual economic event.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • What’s new is how quickly the beverage industry is treating it as a category of its own, and how many consumers are buying in.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of treating
Verb
  • Far from being a theoretical threat, at least one active attack is already exploiting the mixup.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The other problem is that hackers are exploiting AI to uncover new software vulnerabilities and infiltrate networks at a superhuman rate.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploiting
Verb
  • Allow the serum to dry completely before applying any other products or lying down to sleep.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Vanessa said her South Florida hospital tried to help by applying for a work visa on her behalf, but the application was denied.
    — Tania Francois, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of applying
Verb
  • What those reviews don't capture is the proportion of bookings that complete without incident, which, across platforms handling millions of reservations annually, is considerably higher than review distributions suggest.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Wash hands after handling any pet food and keep children away from pet food dishes and treats.
    — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of handling
Verb
  • Communities from Lansing, Michigan, to Pflugerville, Texas, are ending their relationship with Flock, largely over concerns regarding out-of-control surveillance, unwanted data sharing, high expenses, and reports of police abusing the tool.
    — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Countless cops, meanwhile, are abusing the cameras to stalk women.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of abusing
Verb
  • Through the new focus on South Miami-Dade, Beasley also wants employers to understand the benefits of employing people from the area.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The idea of employing microbes to transform waste carbon into something useful is far from novel.
    — Mike McRae August 28, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of employing
Verb
  • Jesperson, who is currently serving multiple life sentences in Oregon, has confessed to killing eight women between 1990 and 1995.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Harley spent a year as Florida International’s linebackers coach before serving six seasons at Pitt under Narduzzi.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of serving

Browse Nearby Words

ushers
using
using up
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Cite this Entry

“Using.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/using. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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