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
Generally, James has not operated on the NBA’s timeline.
—
John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Founded by Emma Lewis, Sarah Azzouzi and Kyla Embrey, the initiative is designed to drive foot traffic and visibility toward independent vintage retailers by encouraging stores to operate collectively rather than in isolation—an intention that aligns seamlessly with the event’s rapid expansion.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Hornsea 3 will create up to 5,000 construction jobs and an additional 1,200 long-term roles, and will be operated from Grimsby.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Panthalassa says its nodes would operate far from shore in wave-rich parts of the ocean.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Founded by Emma Lewis, Sarah Azzouzi and Kyla Embrey, the initiative is designed to drive foot traffic and visibility toward independent vintage retailers by encouraging stores to operate collectively rather than in isolation—an intention that aligns seamlessly with the event’s rapid expansion.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Hornsea 3 will create up to 5,000 construction jobs and an additional 1,200 long-term roles, and will be operated from Grimsby.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Panthalassa says its nodes would operate far from shore in wave-rich parts of the ocean.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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While Marner avoided an abysmal 2025-26 season, the Leafs are expected to use the first-overall pick in the upcoming draft on Penn State star Gavin McKenna, the kind of player who should be able to help right the ship in a hurry.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
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Drake addresses Kendrick Lamar feud with fiery tracks The Grammy-winning rapper also used his latest musical project to reignite his feud with fellow emcee Kendrick Lamar.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Reece James ticks the most boxes, but would need to be managed through a tournament that could involve eight matches in 33 days.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Analysts also cheered the launch of software tools for developers and AI agents to manage and transact with USDC, Circle's flagship stablecoin.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Catalina suffers from an unspecified mental disability, which Saavedra, who is not handicapped, performs in an arguably inappropriate register of fidgety hands and shifty-eyed glances.—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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Fighters — draped in elaborate costumes and protective charms believed to ward off injury and channel spiritual power — perform to the beat of sabar drums, emphasizing the sport’s spiritual side, which for many is as important as the fight itself.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Moon Bar will serve food as well, mostly bar snacks that, similar to the drinks, utilize some Asian ingredients.—
Katelyn Umholtz,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
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Production vehicles can park once while utilizing dissimilar looks; locations can jump from a Victorian home to a ranch house to a gritty industrial setting without a company move.—
Kathy A. McDonald,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
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That alone sets it apart from earlier delivery drones that could only handle lighter orders.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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Think cordless leaf blowers that make quick work of debris, robot mowers that handle the lawn, and so much more.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Our Rescue provided resources to help pay for software to search suspects’ computers and cellphones, according to Liam Doyle, supervising investigator with the district attorney’s office.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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The lawsuit claims that Santana was the lead detective assigned to the case, while Smith was the sergeant who supervised the investigative team.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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They’re also made with clean lines and a straight, wide-leg fit, resulting in a crisp appearance that works for the office or even a Hamptons weekend.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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There are plenty of suite options that work well for families, baby gear like cribs and high chairs are available, and all restaurants have kids menus.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Some portion of eligible people are probably discouraged from applying at all, believing the lottery system to be rigged or pointless.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Exclusions include clearance items and gift cards, and the discount is applied to the subtotal before tax and shipping/handling at checkout with the promo code.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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