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 Between Oak Park and Maywood, the train will turn to the north, again utilizing existing tracks. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 According to the investigation, Brown utilized the Flock camera technology to perform unauthorized searches involving at least two tag numbers. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Until the project is complete, American Royal will continue utilizing the West Bottoms facilities, which are owned by the City of Kansas City, Missouri. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 Today, Ormat hopes to grow exponentially with the AI data center boom, aiming to build baseload, clean power plants throughout the Western United States, utilizing both new technologies and old. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilize
  1. use
  2. apply
  3. exploit
  4. employ
Verb
  • 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
Definition of use
Verb
  • The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The study found the models understood concepts such as the Kelly criterion and Merton share in theory but struggled to apply appropriate risk management when making actual simulated trading decisions.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Other Surrealists, meanwhile, seemed to take from animals a license to exploit other (generally female) bodies, as in Clovis Trouille’sJustine(1937), in which both a naked female figure and a lion are bound and captive.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploit
Verb
  • This metric measures the proportion of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The same restraint applies to professors, who will not be permitted to employ AI to write syllabuses or course materials.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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