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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Recent Examples of operate
Bars at the Terraces will operate as cash bars during the Modelo After Party.
—
Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
The offense operated much of the day behind the chains because of the mistakes, and the defense overall had its way.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
Other qubits, such as the superconducting circuits championed by Google and IBM, operate much more quickly but sit locked in place, like traditional transistors.
—Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Insua was ordered to have no contact with any of the surviving victims or witnesses, surrender his travel documents, and not operate any vessels.
—April 3, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
The offense operated much of the day behind the chains because of the mistakes, and the defense overall had its way.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
Other qubits, such as the superconducting circuits championed by Google and IBM, operate much more quickly but sit locked in place, like traditional transistors.
—Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Insua was ordered to have no contact with any of the surviving victims or witnesses, surrender his travel documents, and not operate any vessels.
—April 3, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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Building and construction unions no longer can use their old rhetorical cudgel in this debate — calling prefab homes flimsy and unsafe.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And across these two games, England managed just one goal, when Ben White tapped in on Friday.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Officials state the move will place leadership closer to the Western lands the agency manages and improve its mission.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
This year, the ritual was performed by his successor, Leo XIV, the first American Pope.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This season, the Royals have utilized Falter in a different role.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The gadget works by utilizing a blue-violet light to attract insects, which are then zapped by a 4200-volt electric grid on contact.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As part of the Waldorf’s rebirth, the French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon handled the hotel’s interiors, furniture, and amenities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Pawel Chudzicki, whose law firm handled the licenses for Global Risk, told me that the State Department had conducted an inquiry in response to the Associated Press article and identified no violations of the law.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The drones then fly themselves to the location of a call, and are supervised by a drone operator.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
While the mayor campaigned on educating kids as young as 6 weeks, his plans so far have started with 2-year-old children, who are typically less complicated — and costly — to supervise than infants.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Company executives worked with banking firm Citizens Bank to oversee the sale process, which lasted four to five months but fell through.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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The two friends met years ago while working for different social justice organizations.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Financially Distressed City Law allows home-rule municipalities in the top 5% of tax rates and the bottom 5% of tax income per capita to apply for fiscal relief via a state takeover of finances.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
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The change will not apply to customers who bought tickets before Friday, April 3, the airline said.—
Jordan Freiman,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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