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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of operate
The Department of Homeland Security and the GEO Group, a private company that operates the facility, have pushed back against the allegations, insisting detainees get proper care and treatment, and the facilities are regularly inspected.
—
Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Both parties chose to operate within a tighter latitude than the formal rules required.
—Bruce Sibley, Time, 29 May 2026
Schierer and his wife, Tessa, along with their five children, owned and operated Union Pizza & Brewing Company and TÖAST in downtown Fergus Falls, according to the announcement.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Some, like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, have been operating for more than 500 years.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Both parties chose to operate within a tighter latitude than the formal rules required.
—Bruce Sibley, Time, 29 May 2026
Schierer and his wife, Tessa, along with their five children, owned and operated Union Pizza & Brewing Company and TÖAST in downtown Fergus Falls, according to the announcement.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Some, like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, have been operating for more than 500 years.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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In the third, La Mirada used a single and two walks to load the bases with two outs but Escobar escaped when shortstop Angie Jimenez snagged a line drive.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Norrased, who did most of the communication with the villagers in Thai, taught them how to correctly use the mouthpiece for the oxygen tanks.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Our mother, who had annoyed me deeply throughout most of my life, managed something so heroic that there should have been songs written about her to be sung around campfires by Girl Scouts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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With over 60% of its power needs met by nuclear power, France is particularly well-placed to manage such an energy-intensive project at a time when Europe is grappling with some of the highest industrial electricity prices among major economies.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Verb
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The mother spends her waking hours working on other people’s farms and performing tasks the neighbors prefer not to do themselves.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
This year’s gathering included a performance from the San Diego Trans Chorus, a nonprofit group that performed at its first-ever pride event Saturday.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Verb
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This reaction, however, produces heat, which can be controlled through adding chemical inhibitors or utilizing release valves, chemists say.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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There is some inaccurate information on how these cameras are being utilized.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Several consolidation docks between the inbound and outbound sides of the building will handle vendor shipments.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Ranging from physical and occupational therapists to medical technologists, these workers handle all of the support services needed to carry out the wide range of health care activities that doctors order and oversee.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Color grading was supervised by Indian National Film Award-winning cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 June 2026
-
Put it to work now, but supervise it like junior talent.—
Brian Solis,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The walk-off home run came after the bullpen of the Twins (27-31) had worked four scoreless innings, taking over after a four-inning start from Taj Bradley.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
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Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
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Head coach Oliver Glasner has been the cause of a certain amount of friction too, but the same rules apply.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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