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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Throughout January, Pereira has spoken of his reservations about Bellegarde and fellow midfielder Tommy Doyle’s ability to operate effectively in midfield in his 3-4-3 setup. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025 As for the claim that Chinese soldiers are operating the canal? Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 The exhibit has two goals: drawing attention to how the borders operate differently across different geographies, but also highlight the refusal of the mappings of power that would make these geographies. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 Clients who go that route often opt to continue operating it as a business for periods each year—long-term vacancy in any house causes more problems than occupancy, after all—with guests welcomed for, say, 10 months each year but peak summer reserved solely for extended family. The Editors, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for operate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • Still, its clarity prompted Corbet to use 16 mm film in some montages and then blow it up to 70 mm for exhibition.
    John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
  • These artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship and design of helmets used by early Scandinavian societies.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Then, in December, the National Park Service issued its final rule restricting bear baiting on Alaska lands managed by the NPS.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
  • These findings show the potential of probiotics as a non-antibiotic strategy for managing chronic antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. 12.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Here's what to know about who performed during the Grammy Awards.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Somehow, the various components of blood—red and white cells, platelets, and plasma—manage to perform an entire spectrum of life-promoting functions.
    Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As a general rule of thumb, Adidas jackets that utilize polyester or nylon tend to boast the highest moisture-wicking capability.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
  • This marks Spanx’s first-ever denim line, utilizing innovative technology to redefine fit and comfort.
    Essence, Essence, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Most times, things usually go smoothly during filming, but once — right at the end of a shoot, just before the last shot — the table couldn’t handle it and everything fell.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
  • This position handles local arrivals into Reagan and helicopter traffic when it’s combined.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Summary: This position will supervise and lead a team of engineering and environmental subject matter experts who perform detailed review of environmental and financial documents related to infrastructure project scopes and planning.
    Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2025
  • As a transient, he would be monitored, supervised and guarded for 24 hours per day.
    Teri Figueroa, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Some, including President Trump, have wondered if those working on air traffic control had been hired based on DEI goals, rather than professional qualifications.
    Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • RedBird Capital Partner is a primary investor with a long history of working with sports properties.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The 30% promo also applies to Mexico City and Cancún, The carrier transported more than 1.2 million passengers in 2024 and expects that to increase to 1.7 million in 2025.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The memo suggests that officials prioritize immigrants who have been in the country longer than a year but who have not applied for asylum.
    Hamed Aleaziz, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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