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.

Now, internet access is nearly ubiquitous globally, and this technology can use itself.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Still, she delivered some Kirkian tough love when she urged the audience to use their unattached time to seek self-improvement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Instead of working with a massive furnace, participants use small torches, making the process feel more approachable and easier to control.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

In addition, occasional low-impact use after abandonment may have occurred without leaving evidence that could be detected archaeologically.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

First, though, he would use one of the carcasses to bait a deadfall, in the hope of trapping something to eat overnight.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing use

3-letter words, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

use

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing use

3-letter words, List 1