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
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 Department of Health and Human Services has terminated a contract with a nonprofit that was paid millions each month to operate a Texas overflow facility that sat empty, according to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
—
Louis Casiano, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
Believed to be built in 1928, the building operated as the Jacobs Cleaners Building under owner Meyer O. Jacobs when it was listed in the Green Book.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Prior to the deal, Nexstar had already operated the largest set of CW affiliates of any station owner.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
Two of the principals of Land by Label, Mike Zimmerman and Jim Pekar, are from ROC Ventures, which owns and operates The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin.
—Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for operate
Louis Casiano, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
Believed to be built in 1928, the building operated as the Jacobs Cleaners Building under owner Meyer O. Jacobs when it was listed in the Green Book.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Prior to the deal, Nexstar had already operated the largest set of CW affiliates of any station owner.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
Two of the principals of Land by Label, Mike Zimmerman and Jim Pekar, are from ROC Ventures, which owns and operates The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin.
—Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
-
In addition to this, using excessive water or harsh chemical cleaners can then lead to moisture accumulation around window seals, which can potentially cause mould growth or deterioration of the frame around the windows.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2025
-
These 12-week courses typically include work experience, can often be paid for using workforce grants, and allow students to return to the institution for other related and stackable credentials. 5.—
Bruno V. Manno,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Most of Apple’s choices in the 16e seem to serve the goal of unifying the whole iPhone lineup to simplify the message for consumers and make things easier for Apple to manage efficiently, but the dropping of MagSafe is bizarre.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Netanyahu, for his part, managed to survive beyond both of those presidencies and is still very much on the political scene today.—
Tevi Troy,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The 2025 edition of Iceland Airwaves has unveiled its first wave of artists set to perform in Reykjavík, Iceland, in November.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Hastings studied at the Berklee College of Music and wrote and performed in the Groundlings sketch comedy/improv group before starting a career in animation.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Stepping into this influential role and utilizing her platform to highlight global women’s health needs was never a question for Sharapova.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
7 Mar. 2025
-
This offense, in other words, doesn’t prefer to utilize his greatest strength.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The animal welfare group KC Pet Project will no longer be in charge of handling dog bite complaints, picking up strays and rescuing pets who’ve been mistreated after a six- or seven-month transition period.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
-
In the Oval Office on March 6, Trump was asked what department or agency would handle student loans if the Department of Education was dismantled.—
Rebecca Schneid,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Trump administration has denied in court papers that intends to abolish the agency completely, arguing that some of its functions are continuing, but Reuters on Monday reported top officials at the consumer agency have not allowed staff to resume supervising financial companies.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA TODAY,
5 Mar. 2025
-
General billed Medicare and other government insurers for surgeries performed by Harvard medical trainees without proper oversight because supervising surgeons were working in another operating room.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
As of late, Goodman, an Oscar winner, has been working mostly in the TV space.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Both work very well to ensure that the dirt, dust, and grime are actually coming out of the tiny grooves on your record.—
Parker Hall,
WIRED,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
And this particularly applies to products such as pharmaceuticals.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Tilbury applied the Hollywood Flawless Filter skin tint in shade 3 and Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in shade 1 to Moore's skin, then added a soft whisper of pink to her cheeks with Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share