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Definitions

use

[yooz, yoost, yoos] / yuz, yust, yus /

NOUN

act or instance of employment; utility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

handling operation service usage

STRONG

adoption appliance exercise exercising exertion mobilization usability utility

WEAK

capitalization treatment wear wear and tear

Antonyms

STRONG

inappropriateness unsuitability uselessness

NOUN

function, purpose, benefit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

benefit function help need purpose value

STRONG

advantage applicability call convenience fitness good helpfulness necessity object occasion point profit reason relevance serviceability usefulness worth

WEAK

appropriateness avail mileage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disadvantage harm hindrance hurt injury

STRONG

loss

NOUN

custom

Synonyms

STRONGEST

custom habit practice routine

STRONG

way wont

WEAK

habitude

VERB

utilize; consume

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adopt apply employ handle manage operate practice run spend utilize wield work

STRONG

capitalize capitalize on consume deplete exercise exert exhaust expend occupy ply squander take waste

WEAK

avail oneself of bring into play bring to bear draw on find a use make do with make the most of make use play on press into service put forth put into action put to use put to work run through turn to account

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease halt leave alone let go mismanage misuse neglect reject renounce repudiate stop

STRONG

save

WEAK

abstain

VERB

manipulate, take advantage of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exploit manipulate take advantage of

STRONG

abuse coerce pimp

WEAK

blackmail con control rip off work

Usage

What is another way to say use? The verb use is a general word: to use a telephone; to use a saw and other tools; to use one's eyes; to use eggs in cooking. As applied to persons, use implies some selfish or sinister purpose: to use another to advance oneself. What is used often has depreciated or been diminished, sometimes completely consumed: a used automobile; All the butter has been used. Utilize implies practical or profitable use: to utilize the means at hand, a modern system of lighting.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Security Council mandates authorizing member states to use force are relatively rare.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Tesla’s dependence on China became clear last year when it had to reduce the use of rare-earth magnets in Optimus after China tightened export restrictions, according to people familiar with Tesla’s supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

While Pozen is standing by his Big Tech names, he also thinks the market is ready for the next phase of the AI rally—companies that actually use AI to grow their businesses.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

As the Vatican took over filming from the documentary crew during the private audience and did not use sound, Clark has recalled his experience of meeting the Pope.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

We could use a mess of fish with Charlie around.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

use

Usage

Example Sentences

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