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
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 operate
So the place is half-flooded, there’s barely enough money on hand to operate, and food supplies are minimal.
—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
The group operates Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
26 June 2026
While no criminal charges have been filed, Miranda is allowed to continue operating his business at this time, Honsal said.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
His mother passed away soon after, and then the store operated at the first spot on Oak Trafficway for 6 1/2 years.
—
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
The group operates Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
26 June 2026
While no criminal charges have been filed, Miranda is allowed to continue operating his business at this time, Honsal said.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
His mother passed away soon after, and then the store operated at the first spot on Oak Trafficway for 6 1/2 years.
—
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
-
That agreement set a 60-day period for negotiations on key issues, including the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Iran wants to use it for military purposes, a claim the country denies.
-
The individuals said the restoration will help ensure the organizations can use the model for defensive cyber purposes.
Verb
-
Both Ghana and England will walk away with a point after Ghana managed to hold off England in a heart-pounding final few minutes of stoppage time.
-
Most of the site sits on private land, with a smaller portion managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Verb
-
These will be highly specialized agents that sit on top of Anaplan’s applications, capable of performing tasks autonomously for users.
-
While humans thrive on ambiguity, context, metaphor and inference, machines generally perform better when information is categorized, tagged, labeled and linked in ways that reduce uncertainty.
Verb
-
Staying close to the start line and utilizing transit options will help ensure a smooth and stress-free race morning.
-
At its intimate factory, Crystal expanded its rooftop solar installation beyond the contract demand to fully utilize the available rooftop space.
Verb
-
Bosch, the German engineering firm, says its British subsidiary now handles 10,000 import transactions per year, a stunning increase from just 40 annually prior to Brexit.
-
According to the developers, the AI agent will create itineraries, handle arrangements, and try to anticipate what guests need.
Verb
-
That enables Cadence’s system, which is supervised by physicians, to alert a clinician when a patient is deteriorating before a stroke or heart attack, for example.
-
Judge Stacy Street sentenced Beckwith to three years supervised probation, the court clerk confirmed to USA TODAY.
Verb
-
With curved teardrop shapes, floral accents, and leaf motifs, its design works especially well for the spring and summer seasons, though its abstract, ornamental pattern can be displayed during cooler months as well.
-
Bowie worked as a driver at Interfaith Medical Center.
Verb
-
Neel said many community members have made preparations in anticipation of the ruling, including applying for asylum.
-
An economist that the city hired estimates that the tax increase will add $500 to $650 annually in taxes for the average family of four, despite the sales tax not being applied to groceries or medical supplies.
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
