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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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

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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 In 2024, Cedar Fair announced a merger with Six Flags, which led to the company operating under the Six Flags name. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 Although her mother passed in 2018, Spring and her siblings continued to operate her restaurant until last year. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026 Reach will operate 18 hours per day, seven days a week, and a vehicle will pick passengers up within 30 minutes of a request. Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026 All operated under Bonanno Concepts. Libby Smith, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • When Carolyn finally walked through the doors at the back of the chapel and down the aisle, Reverend O’Byrne had to lead the pair through their vows using a flashlight.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
  • DiBlasi said that using AI in social interactions stunts emotional growth and can perpetuate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
    Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Panthers are managing a slew of injuries and are managing the workloads of several players down the stretch.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The former is focused on advancing noninvasive approaches to treating diabetes and managing metabolic health.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Lancaster cheerleaders perform along the baseline during a second half timeout of the Tigers' game against Austin Westlake.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • House Bill 1620 and Senate Bill 991 would make clear that when state or local law authorizes an inspector general to access records, and those records are necessary to perform official responsibilities, the records custodian must allow inspection.
    Vaughn Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • There was an emphasis to utilize his slurve and four-seam fastball.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With a high, stable energy supply, the ship could support a larger number of these power-hungry containers, giving operators greater flexibility to handle cargo demand.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • His body could handle the demands.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Temporary monitoring, including fire watch coverage, may help show that building managers took steps to supervise the property while repairs were underway.
    Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • All schools will be open, breakfast and lunch will be provided, and all students will be properly supervised.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Hawks worked the ball up court and got it to Webb who fake a drive to make some space and then drilled a three with 10 seconds left to retake the lead.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2026
  • And though the devastation wrought by last year’s fire was unprecedented in its scale, the Schneiders remain optimistic about the future of their beloved enclave and its plucky local paper.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • According to a Treasury Department license document, the authorization applies until April 11 and applies to Russian oil that was loaded onto vessels before March 12.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The timing is critical because fertilizers are applied early in the crop cycle and help determine yields later in the year.
    Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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