operate

verb

ˈä-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
Definition of operatenext
1
as in to use
to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 Some Jeep owners disconnect the hood switch or install an aftermarket module that prevents the system from operating. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 The company runs a betting exchange in the UK and also operates in Ireland, Malta, Sweden and in Indiana, United States. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 The company says the system is designed for long-duration surveillance and can operate for more than 90 days. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 The character returned in the sequel series Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018) as a member of the Rebel Alliance, operating under the codename Fulcrum, and made numerous other cameo appearances in the extended Star Wars universe. — ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
  1. use
  2. manage
  3. perform
  4. utilize
  5. handle
  6. supervise
  7. work
  8. apply
Verb
  • Hundreds of people with stereo systems, disco balls, tents, kegs and mattresses left huge amounts of trash, set off fireworks and used Tunitas Creek Beach as a bathroom during all-night events.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Carrick using Mbeumo as a centre-forward is not new — but the way United’s forward line is gelling around him is.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of use
Verb
  • Shielded from the elements and stocked with comforting amenities, this hotel manages to feel like part of the national park.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Leeds United’s goalkeeper does not manage his social media accounts but his friends have kept him informed of the feverish reaction to his arrival.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • The Republican nominee also said the work agreements that allow many state employees to perform their jobs remotely need reform as well.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ogbonnaya, who performs under his first name, will be on the bill; so will No-Fi RPM, a live-mixing series that Curran and Farlee run with collaborators Estevan Medina, Dillon Kelley and Patrick Mitchell.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Though the 34 cameras have been mounted at intersections throughout the city for several years, there's a new wave of suspicion about them and the way they're utilized by law enforcement.
    — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Residents have already started commenting on the Facebook video with questions about power outages, utilizing the Indiana National Guard to support clean up efforts and water connections.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • The lawsuit argued that the new rules incorrectly preempt states’ powers to regulate how the interest generated by mortgage escrow accounts is handled.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Zaslav’s latest sale of 773,173 shares of WBD stock, for an aggregate market value of $21,655,292, was handled on his behalf by Fidelity Brokerage Services, according to a company filing with the SEC Thursday.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid summoned a staffer to repair a troubling divot, while linebacker Terrel Bernard supervised.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The fish are raised in ponds fed with river water that flows off the Gombori mountains, monitored constantly to ensure proper egg development, and supervised until just the right time arrives for harvesting, salting, and packaging.
    — Felipe Riccio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • After working around the clock for the better part of a week toward an interim bilateral trade deal, trade officials from the United States and Canada may have reached a consensus that will stave off a fresh round of punishing tariffs.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In a country where current and former governors command massive grassroots support and are often accused of working with local electoral officials to manipulate election results, analysts say the defections could work in Tinubu’s favor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of work
Verb
  • The marks apply across all Claude surfaces people use — the API, Claude Code, Claude Cowork and deployments through AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Foundry.
    — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But no matter the amount returned, states have held that their specific rules apply to banks lending within their borders.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of apply

Browse Nearby Words

operant
operate
operated
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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of operate for Spanish Speakers

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