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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Recent Examples of operate
The brand previously operated a Beverly Hills residency within facialist Shani Darden’s studio, though increasing demand ultimately led to a transition into the stand-alone West Hollywood location.
—
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 27 Mar. 2026
Petro has also emphasized the need to modernize the Hercules fleet — military tactical transport aircraft capable of operating from rough, unpaved runways.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Later this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement will begin operating a sprawling detention center out of what is currently an empty industrial warehouse.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Cherry Creek, the state’s fourth-largest K-12 school district, enrolls 51,844 students and operates under a $840 million budget.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 27 Mar. 2026
Petro has also emphasized the need to modernize the Hercules fleet — military tactical transport aircraft capable of operating from rough, unpaved runways.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Later this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement will begin operating a sprawling detention center out of what is currently an empty industrial warehouse.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Cherry Creek, the state’s fourth-largest K-12 school district, enrolls 51,844 students and operates under a $840 million budget.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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There are no fitness facilities, but guests are welcome to use Surin's large gym and a sauna just a short shuttle ride away.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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Taylor, the policing expert, said a PIT maneuver is a strong tool, but should be used sparingly.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And across these two games, England managed just one goal, when Ben White tapped in on Friday.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Officials state the move will place leadership closer to the Western lands the agency manages and improve its mission.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But research also suggests that slower walking performed over a longer duration may initially produce greater total fat loss in overweight individuals than faster walking performed for shorter periods.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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But that’s exactly how the night climaxed on Friday (March 27) when the uncanny Argentine duo CA7RIEL y Paco Amoroso took over Canvas on 10th in Chelsea, New York to perform their electrifying new album, Free Spirits, for the first time.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ultra has hired off-duty fire rescue crews to patrol the event, utilizing emergency aid kits and scooters to navigate the crowds and get patients to an ambulance faster.—
Larry Seward,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Officers will sometimes use a felony that occurs during a traffic stop or enforcement interaction as cause to initiate a chase and utilize a PIT maneuver, but if the underlying reason for the interaction wasn’t a violent felony, the move likely shouldn’t be used, Taylor said.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As part of the Waldorf’s rebirth, the French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon handled the hotel’s interiors, furniture, and amenities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Pawel Chudzicki, whose law firm handled the licenses for Global Risk, told me that the State Department had conducted an inquiry in response to the Associated Press article and identified no violations of the law.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The drones then fly themselves to the location of a call, and are supervised by a drone operator.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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While the mayor campaigned on educating kids as young as 6 weeks, his plans so far have started with 2-year-old children, who are typically less complicated — and costly — to supervise than infants.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Uber and Rivian didn’t disclose how the new driverless vehicles will work, including having their own app or as a special request on the existing Uber app.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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The bond works like a mortgage or home loan, according to the ISD website.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Eligible establishments would have to apply, and pay a $500 application fee.—
Nikki DeMentri,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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This also applies to bedding—trading a heavy winter-time duvet for one with a lighter material like a linen or cotton percale can be a nice refresh.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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