Synonyms of use

use 1 of 2

verb

ˈyüz 

1

as in to utilize

to put into action or service

I will need to use the large hammer for this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utilize
• apply
• exploit
• employ
• harness
• operate
• exercise
• draw on
• make use of
• wield
• manipulate
• handle
• bring to bear
• work
• direct
• run
• reuse
• recycle
• cannibalize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

2

as in to treat

to behave toward in a stated way

the factory workers were underpaid and poorly used by their employers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treat
• handle
• serve
• be (to)
• act (toward)
• deal (with)
• regard
• consider
• view
• respond (to)
• engage (with)
• react (to)
• do by
• rate
• reckon
• esteem

3

as in to exploit

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exploit
• leverage
• abuse
• manipulate
• play (on or upon)
• impose (on or upon)
• walk on
• pimp
• work
• trade on
• capitalize (on)
• milk
• cash in (on)
• cheat
• mistreat
• stick
• commercialize
• soak
• jerk around
• skin
• bleed
• overcharge
• commodify
• fleece

use

2 of 2

noun

ˈyüs 

1

as in application

the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose

the use of boom boxes is strictly prohibited in the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

• application
• exercise
• usage
• operation
• play
• employment
• reuse
• exertion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disuse
• nonuse

2

as in usefulness

the capacity for being useful for some purpose

the broken grill isn't going to be of much use in cooking the hamburgers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• usefulness
• avail
• utility
• help
• service
• benefit
• assistance
• advantage
• mileage
• value
• account
• serviceability
• gain
• serviceableness
• aid
• applicability
• relevance
• profit
• appropriateness
• worth
• fitness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uselessness
• worthlessness
• inapplicability
• inappropriateness

3

as in liking

positive regard for something

I have no use for slackers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liking
• like
• preference
• love
• appetite
• taste
• tendency
• craving
• relish
• fancy
• love affair
• fondness
• desire
• enthusiasm
• favor
• shine
• thirst
• partiality
• interest
• inclination
• longing
• propensity
• weakness
• bias
• passion
• prejudice
• hankering
• tooth
• gusto
• bent
• yen
• palate
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hatred
• dislike
• disgust
• distaste
• aversion
• loathing
• disfavor
• disinclination
• indifference
• apathy
• mislike
• unconcern

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words 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

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use 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 is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

How does the verb use contrast with its synonyms?

The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words 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

Where would employ be a reasonable alternative to use?

Although the words employ and use 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 is it sensible to use utilize instead of use?

While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of use

Verb

About $589 million in revenue generated from the tax has not been used, which in part is due to a lack of flexibility in how the money can be used, as well as due to legal concerns amid a threat to overturn the initiative. —City News Service, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

But how many have used motion itself as an element in their work? —Dawn Chan, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

Noun

Limon was studying the use of AI in environmental science and was set to present his doctoral thesis this week, his family said. —Cristian Benavides, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the use of force during the shooting, and the officers will be placed on administrative duties for 30 days. —Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing use

• make use of
• use up