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Definitions

used

[yoozd, yoost] / yuzd, yust /
ADJECTIVE
secondhand
Synonyms
STRONG
recycled worn
WEAK
hand-me-down nearly new not new passed down pre-owned

Usage

What is another way to say used? What is used often has depreciated or been diminished, sometimes completely consumed: a used automobile; All the butter has been used. Used is the past participle of use, which is a general verb: 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. 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.

What do you think about how these new types of “futures” are being used by the public?

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

A clinical trial on a method partly used to train Sunny found promising results.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

England, used to bulging crowds, were simply too physical, too skilful, and had far too much nous.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The feedback loop that used to play out over days now closes before the press conference ends.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

Now, Clare was not used to defending himself.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman