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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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 SkyWest Airlines was operating a regional Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Minot International Airport in North Dakota, when the military plane apparently appeared without warning. Eve Chen, USA Today, 21 July 2025 SkyWest Flight 3788, operating as a Delta Connection flight from Minneapolis, was preparing to descend into the airport in Minot, N.D., on Friday evening when the flight crew spotted a chilling sight: A large military aircraft — a B-52 Stratofortress — was flying toward them on a converging route. Bill Chappell, NPR, 21 July 2025 Another bill filed by Hastings earlier this year would require homeowner and auto insurers operating in Illinois to maintain a website that showed a summary of each year’s premium rate changes, as well as rate change data going back five years. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025 These competitors often operate with striking similarity to your brand—similar names, logos, menu items or service offerings—while remaining technically compliant with local intellectual property laws. Mohaimina Haque, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • This is when the teen uses social conflict to express frustration.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Large picture windows, used throughout the house, let in plenty of natural light while framing the beautiful sights of the surrounding countryside.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • However, one of her bridesmaids managed to save the day.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Discuss your risk factors and ways to manage risk with your healthcare provider. 3.
    Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Cauley is on her own tour, performing four shows a week in different cities across the U.S., and will be headlining at Zanie's Comedy Club on July 31.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Chris Martin of Coldplay performs at Rogers Stadium on July 07, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Here, a California-French fusion menu utilizes local farm-to-table ingredients, and the seafood and breakfast dishes felt like the standouts to us.
    Rafael Peña, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • In venue news, Park City’s Yarrow Theatre will be utilized as well as Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas and Rose Wagner Performing Arts Centre.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Today’s chatbots, in contrast, can engage in meaningful, multi-turn conversations—answering complex questions, handling follow-ups, and even escalating issues when necessary.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The poll also shows that 39 percent approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president versus 56 percent who disapprove.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Dogs should be supervised when chewing on a bone, and larger breeds should get large ones to prevent swallowing; there are also plenty of chew toys that have a similar texture to bones, which could be a good alternative.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Labor costs can drop since workers can shift from manual weeding to supervising and maintaining the robots.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • This technique works especially well when readers are swimming in too many possibilities.
    Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • During his first term in office, Trump wasn’t exactly kind to Meghan Markle, who was a working member of the royal family at the time.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • As my Organizational Behavior professor at INSEAD, Kets de Vries challenged us to think about how to apply principles, not just learn them.
    Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • The same applies to travelers with mobility concerns.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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