utility 1 of 2

noun

yü-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce utility (audio)
Definition of utilitynext
as in usefulness
the capacity for being useful for some purpose the store specializes in gee-whiz gadgetry of dubious utility

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utility

2 of 2

adjective

as in other

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of utility
Noun
Those costs include rent or mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, and utilities. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 The study did not include bills for wastewater or stormwater, which are managed by separate utilities. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The Rays were also at the forefront of other innovations and/or adjustments, such as defensive shifts, lineup platoons, matchup bullpens, star-quality super-utility players and putting a numbers nerd (technically a process and analytics coach) in the dugout. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 Heriberto Hernandez and super-utility player Javier Sanoja were the only right-handed hitters who could see steady time in the outfield. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utility
  1. usefulness
  2. other
  3. use
  4. different
  5. avail
  6. alternative
  7. makeshift
  8. separate
Noun
  • The assumed inference is that travelers rely on Google for their travel needs and that informative brochures and knowledgeable attendants are a quaint idea that has outlived its usefulness.
    — Frank Hosek, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Ultimately, polling’s usefulness is limited, especially for an institution like the Supreme Court, writes Kate Shaw, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in an email.
    — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of usefulness
Adjective
  • Stitt points out a photograph of Olney in a hallway near the bathroom, while recalling sharing wine with Lulu Peyraud, the beloved matriarch of the Domaine Tempier wine estate in Provence, among a collage of other French memories.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Sunday's attack occurred as the Saudis hosted a major international energy conference in Riyadh, with other high-profile events including an investment gathering on the horizon.
    — SAMY MAGDY, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of other
Noun
  • The collection combines decorative and functional objects, with each piece designed around both its use and its story.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Stiles revealed that Parton had cleared the use of the song prior to her death in August.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of use
Adjective
  • Computer simulations helped the researchers compare different fiber arrangements, including checkerboard and zigzag patterns.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The contracts negotiated with the UC do not mention different salaries for visa holders versus citizens.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of different
Noun
  • Davis Webb has tried to make the run game the main actor in his opening scripts, to little avail.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, Washington strove to align perceptions across theaters, to little avail.
    — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of avail
Adjective
  • Industry analysts observe that if market participants believed crude transport could permanently rely on rerouting, alternative ports, and emergency reserve releases, oil prices should have pulled back meaningfully.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • And when the healthcare system is flawed to its core and disinformation about alternative treatments spreads rapidly online?
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • The claims were made by four inmates who apparently inhabit the same unit as the Grammy-winner, including one who cooked for Combs on makeshift heating elements, offering up dishes like curry chicken, pizza and empanadas.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Not far away, armed men had been occupying makeshift barricades, blocking roads and turning some drivers away.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • Lucy’s always been a hard vocalist to classify, intensely emotive but largely separate from the monster-growl arms race.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Accessibility Seven king and double/queen accessible rooms are fashioned with private, separate entrances and patios.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of separate

Browse Nearby Words

utilitarian
utility
utilizable
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Cite this Entry

“Utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utility. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on utility

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utility

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