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

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2
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

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4
as in to utilize
to put into action or service wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol

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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 The space station has been operating with a reduced staff of three people since last month. Russell Lewis, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026 Normally, American operates about five daily flights to SDF from Charlotte. Chase Jordan february 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Juan de Dios Larraín, a lawyer and MBA by training, has long overseen the business operations of Fabula, which operates across Chile, Mexico, Spain and the United States. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 Dassault said India would become the first user outside France to operate this variant. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and over Tehran's crackdown on nationwide protests.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Discoverability, most people just use algorithms to find music nowadays.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But Posey, the executive, seems content to manage a massive talent debt to the Dodgers that grows larger by the day.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Coyotes also manage urban deer populations — a critical ecosystem function because ballooning deer herds can decimate forests, stunt plant growth and contribute to invasive species influxes.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By controlling edge recombination through passivation, these wafers can maintain strong carrier collection and high efficiency, translating their theoretical advantages into practical, high-performing solar cells.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
  • During dinner, musician Malcolm McRae — who’s featured in Simkhai’s campaign imagery, and is also Anya Taylor-Joy’s husband — performed a song for the crowd, while Mia Moretti stepped up for DJ duty.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In the costuming department, the show utilized more than 1,000 yards of fabric and 1/2 mile of fringe with 90 types of fabrics represented.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In contrast to task-specific systems like Isaac 0, companies such as Figure AI have developed general-purpose humanoids, such as the Figure 02, designed to handle a wide range of industrial and household tasks rather than specializing in a single task.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Its network handles a range of freight services, including bulk commodity exports.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These risks become more serious when your job involves driving, operating machinery, working at heights, administering medication, or supervising others in hazardous settings.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Animation is supervised by Jakub Pištecký, whose credits include Rango, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Avengers.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And my initial job and focus was working for the chief digital officer at the time who was a really smart guy.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • But its last shutdown plan, released in late September, indicates that 91% of its employees would continue to work without pay.
    Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The task force is now applying that same regional coordination model to World Cup preparations.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • For nails and hair On the hair, rosehip oil can be applied to the ends, preferably diluted with a carrier oil like argon oil, to add shine and help control frizz.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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