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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 Israel’s military operates in all parts of the West Bank, but rights groups have said the military frequently turns a blind eye to settler violence. — Ibrahim Hazboun, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Other white-collar employers operate on a different timeline. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026 The organization represents tech companies operating in the sector and operating data centers in the country. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 How would such a school, which could perhaps cost up to $1 billion per year to operate, be funded? — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 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 Saudis have since used the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads out of the Red Sea, for crude oil exports.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Leaders on this path are using AI to increase the capabilities of their marketing teams and expand what talented people can accomplish.
    — George Couris, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of use
Verb
  • No side allowed their opponents more shots across the first two Premier League rounds of the season (44) than Newcastle, and Bournemouth managed another 17 on Saturday, 13 of them during the first half.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Rockies, who managed just a walk through the first four innings, finished with 11 hits.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • Or Dalia’s spontaneous ability to perform the same ritual effectively without the usual cohort of Nasmaranian trustees in the video by reciting a few lines of laughable formal Arabic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • At scale, those infrastructure inefficiencies can multiply with thousands of agents performing millions of tasks per day.
    — Nicola Sfondrini, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Other benefits could include scaling India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model across BRICS, which utilizes e-commerce to sell globally.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • By utilizing scalable networks, banks have found a way to streamline settlement and reduce friction in cross-border transfers.
    — Jeff Mahony, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • Unfortunately for Gina, however, Heather is handling this like such a pro that Gina just looks ridiculous.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • As a 22-year-old rookie, Maye showed great maturity in handling a brutal situation.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • The following year, he was sentenced to 188 months, nearly 16 years, in prison, with five years supervised release.
    — Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In her current role, Second Assistant District Attorney, Sprague supervises all homicides that occur in Plymouth County as well as all firearm and narcotics cases, according to her profile.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • The processor may perform better, but scaling still depends on everything around it working reliably.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Their biggest obstacle is that their collectivist vision has never worked without trampling on civil liberties.
    — Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of work
Verb
  • Some exceptions to the law do apply, including health conditions, relocation for a spouse’s job change or providing care for a sick family member.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Judge Louis will consider whether the treaty applies to the case and determine if the evidence establishes probable cause.
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 9 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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