“Spend time” can mean devoting time to an activity, being with someone, or simply passing the hours. Alternatives therefore depend on context: “devote time,” “set aside time,” “make time,” “hang out,” and “pass the time” are not interchangeable.
Choose the Phrase for “Spend Time” by Meaning
- Dedicate time
- Devote time
- Allocate time
- Set aside time
- Make time
- Invest time
- Take time
- Use time
- Pass the time
- While away the time
- Hang out
- Catch up
- Socialize
- Keep someone company
- Be together
Dedicate time
Use this when deliberately reserving time and attention for a goal, task, or person.
Example: She dedicates time each week to mentoring junior staff.
Devote time
Similar to “dedicate time,” often suggesting sustained or serious attention.
Example: He devoted time to learning the new software before the project began.
Allocate time
A planning term for assigning a defined amount of time to a task or activity.
Example: We should allocate time for questions at the end of the session.
Set aside time
A natural phrase for deliberately keeping part of your schedule free for something.
Example: I set aside time on Friday to review the applications.
Make time
Use this when fitting something important into a busy schedule.
Example: Try to make time for a proper lunch break.
Invest time
This emphasizes using time now in the expectation of future benefit or improvement.
Example: It is worth investing time in setting up the process correctly.
Take time
Useful when an activity requires or deserves a period of attention.
Example: Take time to read the guidance before completing the form.
Use time
A plain general expression for how available time is employed.
Example: We used the extra time to test the system again.
Pass the time
This means doing something mainly to occupy yourself while waiting or when there is little else to do.
Example: We played cards to pass the time at the airport.
While away the time
A more literary phrase meaning to spend time pleasantly or idly.
Example: They whiled away the time chatting in the garden.
Hang out
An informal phrase for spending relaxed social time with someone.
Example: We hung out at a café after the lecture.
Catch up
Use this for spending time talking with someone you have not seen or spoken to recently.
Example: Let’s catch up over coffee next week.
Socialize
A general verb for spending time interacting socially with other people.
Example: The event gives new staff a chance to socialize.
Keep someone company
This means spending time with a person so they are not alone.
Example: I stayed for an hour to keep her company.
Be together
A simple phrase for sharing time or being in one another’s company, especially in personal contexts.
Example: The holiday gave the family a chance to be together.
Match the Alternative to the Context
You can “allocate time” to a task but not naturally “allocate time with a friend” in ordinary conversation. Likewise, “hang out” works socially but not in a formal project plan. The surrounding purpose matters more than finding one universal synonym.