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
This needs to be removed quickly to ensure the data centers operate efficiently.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
The department said technical issues have been resolved and the warehouse is operating at full capacity, with pending orders being shipped as retail orders increase.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
More than 800 international companies operated in Connecticut in 2022.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
The unlawful taking of items from a machine or device that is operated or activated by the use of coins.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
The department said technical issues have been resolved and the warehouse is operating at full capacity, with pending orders being shipped as retail orders increase.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
More than 800 international companies operated in Connecticut in 2022.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
The unlawful taking of items from a machine or device that is operated or activated by the use of coins.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
-
The Los Angeles and Long Beach unified school districts, the county’s two largest districts, do not use LACOE’s portal for electronic tax documents and their employees were not affected, according to those districts.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
This interactive balance board connects to a free app where your body becomes the controller, using movement to play engaging games.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The idea is already being used by the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid, to generate up to several hundred megawatts.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
What sets it apart from its peers isn’t just its global reach in investing, but also BlackRock’s use of technology to analyze and manage risk.—
byDebbie Carlson,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Her son, Anand Bhosle, told reporters that her last rites will be performed on Monday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The Demon Hunters’ song picked up a Grammy win, a first for the genre of K-pop, and KATSEYE performed during the best new artist mashup at the award show’s broadcast ceremony.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For more quotidian looks, the Queen often utilized the visual power of color.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Plans by Becknell are to build the speculative structure, to be called Northwind North Business Park, and utilize it for light industrial businesses to rent.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Aviators — who lost to the Renegades, 28-23, on Sunday — announced after Ginn's arrest that offensive coordinator Todd Haley would handle head coaching duties for the team, per Yahoo Sports.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kanaiyah Ward was neglected A report by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) revealed that Ward was neglected by the caretaker who was supposed to supervise her with hourly checks.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Kim had also supervised two rounds of missile tests from the Choe Hyon last month while vowing to accelerate the nuclear armament of his navy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
These Warby Parker Franny Eyeglasses are lightweight and comfortable enough for extended wear, with a classic shape that works for both travel days and everyday use.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The couple immigrated from Thailand long ago and worked hard to save that money over three decades.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As of now, Imam has no plans to create a think tank or a second campus, even though those had seemed like good ideas when applying for the grant.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Students apply for it in their junior year, and are tasked with randomly choosing a decade to design head-turning fashion.—
Chris Wragge,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
