as in operational
being in effective operation
the only operating nuclear power plant in the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in handling
to control the mechanical operation of
do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in managing
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
as in working
to produce a desired effect
the medicine will take an hour or so to operate the first time you use it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in using
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 operating
Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2022
Known for many years for its great and famous passenger trains, the last regularly scheduled FECR passenger train ran on July 31, 1968, due to the work stoppage by the non-operating unions that began on January 22, 1963.
—Seth H. Bramson, Sun Sentinel, 12 Oct. 2022
On Monday, as Hasbro released its fourth quarter earnings, the toy maker recorded a $41.3 million net non-cash, non-operating charge associated with the company’s investment in the Discovery Family Channel.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2022
CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Belmond, meanwhile, builds on its own legacy, operating the legendary Venice Simplon–Orient-Express.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Microsoft describes it as part of a broader shift toward physical AI, where intelligent agents interact directly with the physical world rather than operating only in digital spaces.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
Burroughs explained at least four presses will fire up as the game winds down, operating from sunset to sunrise.
—Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Later in the year, the administration made a legal argument that because the agency gets its funding from the Federal Reserve, and since the Fed is technically operating at a loss, there are no funds that can be allocated to the CFPB.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
However, no workers were present and the machines were not operating.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
He is being lined up to be an understudy/support for central midfielder Enzo Fernandez, rather than operating on the flanks.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
The Southern African Development Community mission was part of a myriad of forces operating in the mineral-rich region plagued by decades of armed violence.
—arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.
—Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2022
Known for many years for its great and famous passenger trains, the last regularly scheduled FECR passenger train ran on July 31, 1968, due to the work stoppage by the non-operating unions that began on January 22, 1963.
—Seth H. Bramson, Sun Sentinel, 12 Oct. 2022
On Monday, as Hasbro released its fourth quarter earnings, the toy maker recorded a $41.3 million net non-cash, non-operating charge associated with the company’s investment in the Discovery Family Channel.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2022
Verb
The team forecasted total expenses — all expenses recorded between sales and operating income on an income statement — to be about $12 billion to $19 billion above analyst expectations.
—CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Belmond, meanwhile, builds on its own legacy, operating the legendary Venice Simplon–Orient-Express.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Microsoft describes it as part of a broader shift toward physical AI, where intelligent agents interact directly with the physical world rather than operating only in digital spaces.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
Burroughs explained at least four presses will fire up as the game winds down, operating from sunset to sunrise.
—Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Later in the year, the administration made a legal argument that because the agency gets its funding from the Federal Reserve, and since the Fed is technically operating at a loss, there are no funds that can be allocated to the CFPB.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
However, no workers were present and the machines were not operating.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
He is being lined up to be an understudy/support for central midfielder Enzo Fernandez, rather than operating on the flanks.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
The Southern African Development Community mission was part of a myriad of forces operating in the mineral-rich region plagued by decades of armed violence.
—arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operating
Adjective
-
The startup gains apparent capability but loses operational confidence.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
School administrators emphasized that the reopening represents months of coordination across agencies, contractors, educators, and local leaders to ensure the campus is safe, operational, and ready to welcome students home.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Federal investigators in Guam believed the devices held evidence that would help prove individuals handling the island’s Covid unemployment assistance program were part of a plot to steal funds.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Set on nearly an acre of land, the compound commands more than 150 linear feet of ocean frontage—more than any other home in Lanikai, according to List Sotheby’s International Realty, which is handling the listing.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Her mother accompanied her to appointments, managing logistics and providing emotional support.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Tina Olson, a managing attorney with the Juvenile Lifer Unit in the State Appellate Defender Office, says the decision doesn't minimize the crimes committed – or the victims impacted – but instead ensures defendants are given fair punishments.—
Elaine Rojas-Castillo,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Hardemon, working with Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King and CRA Executive Director James McQueen, imagined a future that put Overtown at the center of art and innovation.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Not working with the federal agency is not the response the City of Pittsburgh Republican Committee wanted to hear.—
Chris Hoffman,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Millions upon millions of people are using generative AI as their ongoing advisor on mental health considerations (note that ChatGPT alone has over 800 million weekly active users, a notable proportion of which dip into mental health aspects, see my analysis at the link here).—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The Skippers kept fighting, using a 7-0 run to take a 57-55 lead with two minutes to go.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Budanov, who has survived numerous assassination attempts, began his career as a special forces operative and served in the east after Russia illegally annexed Crimea and its proxies took over Ukraine’s eastern fringes.—
Reuters 6 hr ago,
CNN Money,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Their pre-operative assessment involves a thorough analysis of the airway.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When the snow begins, PRT will be running trains without passengers to make sure the rails are free of snow and ice, ensuring service with passengers goes on largely uninterrupted.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The same set spent much longer ruling the Top Country Albums chart, but surprisingly, it is not counted as Wallen’s set with the most frames running the show.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Trump is set to chair the Board of Peace, which will be tasked with supervising postwar restoration efforts in Gaza as part of the second phase of the president’s 20-point peace plan.—
Sophie Brams,
The Hill,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Parents supervising their teen’s account will now be able to set a time limit on Shorts, ranging from two hours to zero minutes.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operating. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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