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

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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 According to the report, data centers create many jobs during the construction phase, but once those centers are operating, the jobs can thin out. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2026 The skills layer manages movements such as reaching, grasping, and placing objects, while the control layer operates the robot’s arms and hands. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026 Founder and owner Mark Barak opened the first La Pecora Bianca in 2015 in the NoMad neighborhood of New York City and now operates nine locations there. — Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026 An Israeli airstrike hit one of the main hospitals still operating in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing six people and injuring at least 28 more. — Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 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
  • The senator also used her remarks to underscore the stakes of electing lawmakers willing to withstand pressure from lobbyists and wealthy donors.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of use
Verb
  • The Rams still managed to rack up 513 yards of offense on the Broncos, including several big plays in which a Rams receiver was wide open, or several Bronco defenders missed tackles that turned a short gain into a big play.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • And our research at Xero shows that owners spend nearly 22 hours a month on finance alone—just tracking and managing money.
    — Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • Refinancing a personal loan may cause a temporary drop in your credit score because the lender will likely perform a hard credit inquiry.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Her set evoked a football halftime show and homecoming celebration at historically Black colleges and universities, with a marching band, drum line, steppers and majorette-style dancers performing in front of bleachers.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Traditional data center power systems utilize multiple conversion stages to deliver electricity from the grid to servers.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Astronomers continued to utilize Swift in the months since then, and only recently said their farewells to the intrepid, tenacious observatory.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • Simulation software then generates variations of the demonstrations to help the robot handle minor differences in working conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The next two years will be defined by how his administration handles a muscular Democratic opposition.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • Educators aren’t prepared to supervise AI use, while students may struggle to tell which tools are safe or harmful, the release said.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Della Valle over the years reviewed the role of a creative director after the exit of Alessandra Facchinetti in 2016, leaving the job to the brand’s team, until the arrival of Chiapponi, who supervised both women’s and men’s collections.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • The system is designed to work with different commercial vessel types and propulsion technologies.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The company has worked with major brands including Chipotle, Hinge and Spotify and was recently acquired by Visible Ventures for an undisclosed sum.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of work
Verb
  • Bills have been introduced in Congress to raise the cap to apply to higher thresholds, such as $250,000 or $400,000, or to eliminate it altogether.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The affordable housing bond funds the city’s Housing Trust Fund, which is distributed based on who applies, how their application is scored and ultimately, approval from city council.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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