utilize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Usage
What is another way to say utilize? To utilize something is to put it to use or turn it to profitable account. How is utilize different from use? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
- half-utilized adjective
- nonutilized adjective
- overutilize verb (used with object)
- preutilizable adjective
- preutilize verb (used with object)
- quasi-utilized adjective
- reutilize verb (used with object)
- underutilized adjective
- unutilizable adjective
- unutilized adjective
- utilizable adjective
- utilization noun
- utilizer noun
- well-utilized adjective
Etymology
Origin of utilize
First recorded in 1800–10; from French utiliser, equivalent to utile “useful” ( utile ) + -iser -ize
Explanation
To utilize is to use what you have or what's available, and it's a three-syllable word meaning the same thing as the one-syllable "use." The word utilize is often a more formal way to express "putting something to use." If you don’t have time to go to the store but you need to come up with a science project, you might utilize what's already in the kitchen. Most of the time you can use the verb use as a synonym for utilize. You can utilize a shorter word to make a sentence easier to read.
Vocabulary lists containing utilize
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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"Creativity at Work" and "The Hidden Secrets of the Creative Mind"
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Content Summary 4.1: Causes and Consequences of Iberian Maritime Exploration and Colonialism
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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.
If you’re dealt strength or drive or creativity, your ability to fully utilize it matters.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Now the co-founder and CEO of data-analytics startup Hex Technologies, McCardel has deliberately chosen not to utilize FDEs.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026
There are computers that are starting to utilize artificial intelligence that will soon be moving so fast that they will only be able to guide themselves.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
Because of this, solar cells can only utilize about one-third of incoming sunlight.
From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026
“Anyone who says that, with the means at present at our disposal and with our present knowledge we can utilize atomic energy, is talking moonshine.”
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
