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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of operate
Generally, James has not operated on the NBA’s timeline.
—
John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Founded by Emma Lewis, Sarah Azzouzi and Kyla Embrey, the initiative is designed to drive foot traffic and visibility toward independent vintage retailers by encouraging stores to operate collectively rather than in isolation—an intention that aligns seamlessly with the event’s rapid expansion.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Hornsea 3 will create up to 5,000 construction jobs and an additional 1,200 long-term roles, and will be operated from Grimsby.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Panthalassa says its nodes would operate far from shore in wave-rich parts of the ocean.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Founded by Emma Lewis, Sarah Azzouzi and Kyla Embrey, the initiative is designed to drive foot traffic and visibility toward independent vintage retailers by encouraging stores to operate collectively rather than in isolation—an intention that aligns seamlessly with the event’s rapid expansion.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Hornsea 3 will create up to 5,000 construction jobs and an additional 1,200 long-term roles, and will be operated from Grimsby.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Panthalassa says its nodes would operate far from shore in wave-rich parts of the ocean.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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While Marner avoided an abysmal 2025-26 season, the Leafs are expected to use the first-overall pick in the upcoming draft on Penn State star Gavin McKenna, the kind of player who should be able to help right the ship in a hurry.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
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Drake addresses Kendrick Lamar feud with fiery tracks The Grammy-winning rapper also used his latest musical project to reignite his feud with fellow emcee Kendrick Lamar.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Rescue crews managed to pull 13 survivors from the lake, including a child, while five others were pronounced dead at the scene.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
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If his film’s fetishized heroine manages to claw her way back out by the end, conquering her daddy issues and taking on the boogeyman, most of us are still stuck down there.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Catalina suffers from an unspecified mental disability, which Saavedra, who is not handicapped, performs in an arguably inappropriate register of fidgety hands and shifty-eyed glances.—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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Fighters — draped in elaborate costumes and protective charms believed to ward off injury and channel spiritual power — perform to the beat of sabar drums, emphasizing the sport’s spiritual side, which for many is as important as the fight itself.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Moon Bar will serve food as well, mostly bar snacks that, similar to the drinks, utilize some Asian ingredients.—
Katelyn Umholtz,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
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Production vehicles can park once while utilizing dissimilar looks; locations can jump from a Victorian home to a ranch house to a gritty industrial setting without a company move.—
Kathy A. McDonald,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Wear gloves when handling it and wash your hands immediately after.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 May 2026
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The conversion is being handled by SDFX Studios (formerly Stereo D), the same company del Toro worked with on Pacific Rim.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Her sisters Maria and Judith manage the circus and supervise show details, respectively.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
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In Europe, Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland has become a flagship for the trend, with weeklong programs supervised by more than 50 specialized doctors and a growing audience of guests in their late thirties and forties focused on prevention.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2026
Verb
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They’re also made with clean lines and a straight, wide-leg fit, resulting in a crisp appearance that works for the office or even a Hamptons weekend.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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There are plenty of suite options that work well for families, baby gear like cribs and high chairs are available, and all restaurants have kids menus.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Some portion of eligible people are probably discouraged from applying at all, believing the lottery system to be rigged or pointless.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Exclusions include clearance items and gift cards, and the discount is applied to the subtotal before tax and shipping/handling at checkout with the promo code.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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