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.
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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
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
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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
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Discoverability, most people just use algorithms to find music nowadays.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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So now, a team that has defeated conference leaders such as Oklahoma City, Denver, Detroit and New York, also has managed to fall to the lottery likes of Utah, Indiana and Sacramento, with the 15-40 Pelicans up next.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
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Interestingly, and likely due to the fact that all six episodes were released at once, Steal even managed to make Luminate’s Top 50 list just based on its first two days of viewing.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pivotal says years of real-world flight data across its fleet continue to shape how the aircraft performs.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The rocket's upper stage also performed as expected.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Chief Deputy Chris Ketteman, who ranks just below the sheriff, decides whether each complaint warrants an internal affairs investigation or can be handled by a supervisor.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
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But Morgan, Dave Canales and Brandt Tilis have a history of locking up homegrown players who handle their business on and off the field.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Caring for a betta can help kids learn responsibility, routine, and empathy when adults guide and supervise the process.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
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These workers keep companies running smoothly, often supervising multiple teams, the report says.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Eight of these units were connected to each other and a linear actuator was installed at one end of the line to apply the force needed to activate the elastocaloric effect.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
5 Feb. 2026
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Regardless of the type, apply the fertilizer in late winter to prepare your tree for the upcoming growing season.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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