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 property at 6161 W. Grand Ave. was previously operated as a Holiday Inn.
—
Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Specific programs targeted for elimination include the Mars Sample Return mission, the currently operating Mars Odyssey and MAVEN missions around Mars, and several missions to Venus.
—Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
Law enforcement doesn’t operate this way, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Wayne Ford, USA Today, 23 May 2025
In recent years, charter schools have proven popular with parents both in major cities and in rural areas, and their numbers would surely have grown if churches or religious groups were free to operate these schools.
—David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for operate
Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Specific programs targeted for elimination include the Mars Sample Return mission, the currently operating Mars Odyssey and MAVEN missions around Mars, and several missions to Venus.
—Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
Law enforcement doesn’t operate this way, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Wayne Ford, USA Today, 23 May 2025
In recent years, charter schools have proven popular with parents both in major cities and in rural areas, and their numbers would surely have grown if churches or religious groups were free to operate these schools.
—David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
-
On Wednesday, police in Seattle used pepper spray to clear out protesters, and officers in Denver used smoke and pepper balls to control a crowd.—
Krysta Fauria,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2025
-
In clinical trials, patients using EMROSI saw a noticeable reduction in flare-ups and clearer skin over time.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
Kieran manages to survive, and Sean is finally held accountable and arrested for the deaths of Gabby Birch and Bronte Laidler.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Now managed by the National Trust, the estate is open to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and experience firsthand the setting of one of literature’s most enduring love stories.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Tate McRae, Ed Sheeran and Mariah Carey are among the artists slated to perform at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartMedia announced Tuesday morning.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
-
Jelly Roll, Tate McRae, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5 and Ed Sheeran are among the artists set to perform at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
This is another area in which the general manager is attempting to utilize restraint.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
-
Command Center also utilizes predictive analytics to help hospitals plan for the future.—
Alexis Kayser,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
The collection also includes three of Made In’s award-winning French knives—a chef knife, utility knife, and paring knife—with unique denim micarta knife handles.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 June 2025
-
For fintech founders, that edge is rarely in building internal compliance systems, managing bank integrations or handling payments infrastructure from the ground up.—
Serge Beck,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Kim also supervised test-firings of missiles from the destroyer afterward, and state media said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 2025
-
There would also be logistical questions to address, including who's responsible for supervising students if they are made to leave their classroom during certain lessons and how to select alternative material that is inoffensive to their parents.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
The President of the United States works under the Constitution.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2025
-
McCarthy worked with former tour mate Depeche Mode’s Alan Wilder on the side project Recoil, and collaborated with techno producer Terence Fixmer.—
August Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
The elite wildland firefighters are tasked with applying their tactical knowledge to tamp down the biggest fires in the state.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
-
Women living in Mexico City between the ages of 22 and 40 can apply now through July 1, by visiting the foundation’s website.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share