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
Founded in Texas and headquartered in San Antonio, Whataburger now operates more than 1,100 locations across 17 states, though its strongest fan base remains firmly rooted in the Lone Star State.
—
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Collaborative autonomy is the next frontier - multiple networked, unmanned systems (UAVs, robots, surface vessels) operating together as a team to execute complex missions, improving survivability and efficiency.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Worried that someone might get stuck in the elevator, Jorgie Ramos, who also operates Vice City Pizza in South Miami, decided to shut down the restaurant until the problem was solved.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
The system operates 69 hospitals and more than 1,000 care locations.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Collaborative autonomy is the next frontier - multiple networked, unmanned systems (UAVs, robots, surface vessels) operating together as a team to execute complex missions, improving survivability and efficiency.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Worried that someone might get stuck in the elevator, Jorgie Ramos, who also operates Vice City Pizza in South Miami, decided to shut down the restaurant until the problem was solved.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
The system operates 69 hospitals and more than 1,000 care locations.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
-
Now, the question of whether the US could again use force – or tactics like tariffs or sanctions – to strong-arm countries into choosing Washington’s interests over ties with China is a viable risk being evaluated in the region’s capitals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Those who bought the checks would then attempt to fraudulently cash them, according to federal prosecutors, using a variety of methods.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The side managed by former Kazakhstan international Rafael Urazbakhtin have now lost four games in a row in the Champions League.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Bad things always linger, but usually at the margins, where they're somewhat easily managed.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The shipyard team will also perform underwater hull preservation work, upgrade onboard ship systems, and refurbish the living spaces for the ship’s 41 crewmembers.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The Recording Academy on Tuesday announced that two-time Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter will perform on awards night.—
Malia Mendez,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The film builds the arc of Bamford’s life and career by utilizing clips from decades of her stand-up.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
30 Jan. 2026
-
With astronaut launches, NASA utilizes military vessels stationed at sea across various points around the planet, where crew capsules can land and be recovered in the event of an emergency-abort situation.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
30 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
-
Nuro's validation process combines simulation, closed-course testing and supervised on-road driving.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
For See It Now Studios Susan Zirinsky and Terence Wrong are executive producers, and Aysu Saliba and Cara Tortora are supervising producers.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Beijing is well aware of how US pressure could make governments become more wary of working with Chinese firms or re-evaluate existing ties, analysts in its policy circles say – something that’s already happened in Panama.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Sometimes, good old-fashioned elbow grease can work even better.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During vetting by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, refugees are required to show they were persecuted or face persecution in their home countries and, once in the US, must apply for green cards a year after admission.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The designation only applies to the sign, not the attached building, which houses Americana Pizza.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
