1
as in to use
to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

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2
3
as in to perform
to produce a desired effect the medicine will take an hour or so to operate the first time you use it

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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 Airspace control was transferred to the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Control Facility (TRACON) last July and, since the move, the radars have been operated with what one source called a remote extension cord-like line. Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 10 May 2025 Global Constellation operates under the Playtime banner of the Vuelta Group, a pan-European film group with operations spanning production, distribution and sales. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 9 May 2025 The organization, operating in Ghana since 1979, works to support women, eliminate child labor and promote ethical sourcing. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 9 May 2025 The restaurant opened in Staten Island in 2007 and still operates to this day. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • While rain ponchos stayed tucked away, the real stars of the show were hand fans — used more as percussion instruments than for cooling off.
    Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 5 May 2025
  • The company uses green chemicals and operates at room temperature to reduce energy consumption and the need to pre-wash materials.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Deacon said Slimane, who left the creative helm of Celine last year, has managed his career with aplomb, pursuing his interests in design and photography, and working to his own timetable.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Cortini has managed to distil his passion into the sonic signature of these unique IEMs.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • The group is getting ready to perform Broadway show tunes on May 31 at the Library’s Community Room.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Ancelotti is the epitome of a man-manager, able to empower his players to perform to their best of their ability without requiring too much tactical instruction.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The pair didn’t always agree on how Reese should be utilized on the floor.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2025
  • But Alex Turcotte was reduced to part-time status and was pulled out of the lineup in favor of Trevor Lewis at a time when Turcotte’s younger legs could have been utilized.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • So, figuring out how to handle undoing was the first challenge.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
  • Airlines have been working with passengers to reschedule or refund tickets, but questions are starting to emerge about whether Newark will be able to handle the high volume of flights this summer.
    Alecia Reid, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Some dogs may need to be supervised at all times when playing with some of their toys.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • But the people who worked alongside us all those years responded with ear-to-ear grins.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
  • Andersen, who wrote and directed the movie, is also a seasoned producer (Everest, Lone Survivor) and activist who has worked extensively with refugees in Syria, Jordan, and beyond.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • On a late April afternoon in the East Village—arguably the first real day of spring in New York City—painters stood outside Bar Bianchi, applying their final coats.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 May 2025
  • Here's how to use and apply an ammonia and baking soda solution to remove tub rings: Combine half a bucket of water with 1/4 cup of ammonia and 1/4 cup of baking soda.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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