1
2
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about
it takes years to learn how to operate that kind of business so that it makes money
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in to utilize
to put into action or service
wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of operate
James Joun is the co-founder and chief operating operating officer of the on-demand laundry and dry cleaning pickup and delivery company, Rinse.
—
Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 12 June 2026
On The Border, which currently operates more than 30 restaurants in 11 states, became synonymous with sizzling fajitas and classic Tex-Mex cuisine.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
According to Google’s legal filing, Outsider Enterprise operates through Telegram.
—ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
The structures generate meager power while operating at a $152 million annual loss.
—CBS News, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 12 June 2026
On The Border, which currently operates more than 30 restaurants in 11 states, became synonymous with sizzling fajitas and classic Tex-Mex cuisine.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
According to Google’s legal filing, Outsider Enterprise operates through Telegram.
—ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
The structures generate meager power while operating at a $152 million annual loss.
—CBS News, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Dec. 2025
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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Indiana editor.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But if there is an economic or stock market crash, the budget projections could be even worse than what is managed through the fiscal stabilization plan.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
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Iraq has still kept up the pressure and is managing to generate chances even with the lack of ball control.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
Verb
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For the past week — ever since her 42nd birthday — Dinah had spent each evening standing in this same spot, smoking a clandestine cigarette, watching this same man perform yard work and chores, envisioning the same torrid affair.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
8 Dec. 2025
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The caller reported that a man and a woman were found inside the vacant unit when the maintenance employee went in to perform work.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The plan would also establish collaboration with the city and utilize city support through public improvements funding, known as PIAC, which is broadly geared toward neighborhood needs in each City Council district.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
11 Dec. 2025
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To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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International sales are handled by Fremantle with support from De Maio Entertainment.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 June 2026
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In a highly unusual arrangement, the UFC has been handling much of the ticket access to the event, not the White House itself.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
14 June 2026
Verb
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While humans still planned and supervised the mission, the operation offered a glimpse into how future battles may unfold.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
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After the Los Angeles Film Critics Association anointed Brazil with a trio of awards, including Best Picture, Sheinberg relented and released a 132-minute cut supervised by Gilliam.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Over the course of a 25-year career in entertainment, Foley also worked as a visual effects artist, sound mixer, camera operator, producer, and showrunner, on programs for CBS, NBC, the CW, Animal Planet, A&E, Discovery, YouTube, and Amazon.—
Oliver Gettell,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Dec. 2025
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Spot Drafts and Seal Leaks The heating system won’t have to work as hard if these basic winter prep steps are taken.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Sacramento consistently ranks among the most diverse cities in the country, and that applies across all stripes.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
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Least privilege, just-in-time access, session recording and zero standing privileges also apply directly to AI agents.—
Art Gilliland,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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