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 Contributions from the Ford Foundation to his newsroom allowed Terry to spend three months in the United States to see how American newspapers operated and hopefully bring some of the knowledge back to the United Kingdom. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 Camps must also install an emergency warning system, including a public address system that operates without an internet connection, and each youth camp must maintain redundant internet connectivity. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 July 2026 International conflicts, changing trade policies, and political uncertainty remind us that commercial real estate does not operate in a vacuum. Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 4 July 2026 The International Rescue Committee (IRC) says hospitals and health centers continue operating under heavy strain while many temporary shelters remain at or near capacity. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • Alysa Guffey Currently, data centers use industrial zoning and ask for exemptions to use the site for data centers.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
  • In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The situation is pressing, but Coleman still manages to make a connection.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • The platform has consistently managed volume over $1 billion daily since the soccer tournament began on June 11.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The superstar performed at Inglewood’s Kia Forum on Monday, as well as last night, on her Lux Tour.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Sources told Rolling Stone that Stevie Nicks, a longtime friend of Swift, will be present at the ceremony — and another said that the singer-songwriter would perform on the special day.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • He was arrested after police tracked his location by obtaining his cell phone number and utilizing data from cell towers in the area.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Factoring the maximum of three two-way contract slots into account when they are officially filled, that pushes the Hornets up to 19, leaving just two more spots that can be utilized in the offseason and heading into training camp.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • About 55% of injuries happen to people actively handling fireworks, and nearly a quarter of the injuries are to bystanders.
    Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Key indicators include how teams handle uncertainty, genuinely challenge each other, learn from failures, and base decisions on current realities.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • While older children can use sparklers, they should be supervised, Heckman said.
    Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Between there, and running upstairs to supervise fittings of his monumentally sculptural work with his stylist Tallulah Harlech, the designer caught a rare moment to sit and talk.
    Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • She has also been spotted working as a substitute anchor for various personnel, particularly on weekends.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • While bouncing between the G League and the NBA, James worked with coaches on developing his shooting confidence, quick decision-making and defensive ability.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Wiener asked for amendments to the bill during the bill’s review and in the committee meeting, including that the lifetime ban only be applied to Tier 3 members.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The ruling establishes the legal standard going forward and does not change the law that applied previously.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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