operating 1 of 2

Definition of operatingnext

operating

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 operating
Adjective
Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million. Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income. Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023 Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2022 Known for many years for its great and famous passenger trains, the last regularly scheduled FECR passenger train ran on July 31, 1968, due to the work stoppage by the non-operating unions that began on January 22, 1963. Seth H. Bramson, Sun Sentinel, 12 Oct. 2022 On Monday, as Hasbro released its fourth quarter earnings, the toy maker recorded a $41.3 million net non-cash, non-operating charge associated with the company’s investment in the Discovery Family Channel. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2022
Verb
Unlike conventional pipe-inspection tools, the robot can travel up to 6 km on a single battery charge, while operating in passages only a few centimeters wide. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026 Nevertheless, better-than-expected sales and improved operating efficiency allowed for Broadcom's operating margin to expand year over year and exceed Wall Street expectations. Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026 For years, the city has calculated its compliance with that limit using a methodology that excludes certain abatements from the operating levy, relying largely on a crisis-era attorney general opinion addressing reserves for uncollectible taxes tied to debt service. Martha E. Stark, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026 Frank Antonacci, the chief operating officer of USA Waste, sent a letter to the heads of 11 towns on Monday, offering to enter into long-term contracts to manage their waste at lower rates than the tipping fees currently charged at the Torrington transfer station. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026 But only about $150 million is collectible, since some tax debts are outside of the three-year statute of limitations and some cannabis businesses are no longer operating. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026 His xAI data center began operating in Memphis in 2024, powered in part by pollution-emitting gas turbines, without first applying for a permit, which led to residents loudly protesting at city meetings. ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026 For more than 40 years, Hollywood has stored a treasure trove of film reels, props and costumes in a private underground storage facility operating in the mine. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026 The service Service here strikes that elusive balance between formal and familiar—the staff embodying Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) while operating with polished international flair. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operating
Adjective
  • Polymer solar cells offer advantages Researchers have also maintained that polymer solar cells offer advantages such as light weight, flexibility, and solution processability, but their practical application has long been limited by insufficient operational stability and performance.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2026
  • According to previous reporting from the Argus Leader, Gemini Data Center acquired 164 acres northeast of town last year for what could be a 500-megawatt, hyper-scale data center projected to be operational in 2028.
    Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Although its role is limited to coordinating referrals, Carenector is working with independent security auditors to validate that its operational and data-handling practices align with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The Humane World for Animals helped with documenting the scene, handling the cats and providing veterinary care, officials said.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That's because each state has its own system for managing Medicaid, often requiring experts to make customized changes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard and other state organs are expected to play central roles in managing any transition.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Qualcomm said the chip is made for things like running AI models and working with other nearby devices without draining a battery, even in devices that are regularly recording and communicating with phones and other devices.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
  • But his administration quietly dismantled a division working toward that goal by making the public more prepared for snow, flooding and hurricanes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And Anthropic isn’t actually opposed to using AI to deploy autonomous weapons.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions wrote to the family offering to review the decision to drop the charges – using new evidence if any is obtained by the NSW Police.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The long-standing phrase energy transition remains operative for much of the world—though others reject it.
    Justin Worland, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Intent is the operative word that defines genocide.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Key components include three simulation suites with a control room capable of running multiple scenarios simultaneously, five programmable manikins, multiple classrooms and flexible learning spaces, workrooms and an American Heart Association Training Center.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Try a slower pace for the first hour, and notice how patience steadies your focus and keeps distractions from running the show.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Then, if that wasn't enough executive production for you, Helen Leigh and Cory Walker are also on board as co-executive producers, with Shaun O’Neil, Jeff Allen, and Dan Duncan serving as the series' supervising directors.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The board is responsible for supervising the superintendent, stewarding the budget responsibly and creating policy that aligns with community values.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Operating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operating. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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