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
Shia Islam’s clerical structure has historically been decentralized, with different ayatollahs, seminaries, and religious networks operating with considerable autonomy.
—
Narges Bajoghli, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
According to the law, exhibition driving is described as operating a vehicle close to a crowd and intentionally skidding, swerving while accelerating or causing the wheels to lose contact with the ground, among other actions.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The program has operated at the same site since then, originally at the Watson Memorial Mission on what was then Hatcher Street, Sneed said.
—Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh would have more leverage to operate on his terms.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Narges Bajoghli, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
According to the law, exhibition driving is described as operating a vehicle close to a crowd and intentionally skidding, swerving while accelerating or causing the wheels to lose contact with the ground, among other actions.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The program has operated at the same site since then, originally at the Watson Memorial Mission on what was then Hatcher Street, Sneed said.
—Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh would have more leverage to operate on his terms.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
-
On her birthday, Kate released the last of her Mother Nature videos on social media, using the platform to promote her message of being outside among wildlife and open spaces as a key to her wellbeing and recovery from her cancer treatment.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Wearing rubber gloves, use a sponge to spread the mixture all over the bottom of the oven.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In the past, American capitalism, despite its many faults, had managed to develop a safety net that compensated a little for its exploitations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Ownership also involves financial responsibility, with car insurance playing a role in how people manage and protect their assets.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The project will serve as a pilot for the city’s Project Labor Agreement ordinance, with most construction performed by union workers.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The brand will launch with its full product assortment in the region, though marketing will emphasize top-performing categories — blush, complexion, bronzer, tools and glow essentials — which align with existing regional DTC demand.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
One final research experiment will take place upon landing, as the crew will forgo the typical medical and mobility assistance normally utilized by astronauts following spaceflight while their bodies reacclimate to gravity.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
But more importantly, this would give the team cost control at the center position and reshape the cap sheet while utilizing money that could be earmarked for Mathurin on a center.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Perception is handled through a dual-lidar setup consisting of Halo and Sentinel systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Questions regarding vehicle maintenance and specifications are handled by the City of Chicago's Fleet & Facility Management department, which manages all municipal equipment.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Taking calcium and vitamin D together is generally safe and helps support bone health when supervised by a doctor.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
-
He will be supervised for five years, in line with his six-year 2023 sentence.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Magic Erasers work well for walls, baseboards, porcelain sinks, tubs, appliance interiors, and grout.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Back-to-back 11-6 seasons ending in a wild-card whimper wasn’t what anyone who enjoyed showing up to work all season at The Bolt wanted, of course.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Social media platforms can verify age by either requesting copies of identification documents, using a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder’s face, or making inferences from data already available, such as how long an account has been active.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however.—
Phil Boucher,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
