Definition of operationnext
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as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose a considerable amount of training is required for the operation of these new high-tech weapons systems

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 operation Space-rock mining could therefore enable the operation of off-Earth propellant depots, which would allow voyaging spacecraft to top off their tanks on the go and explore the solar system more deeply and ambitiously. Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 July 2026 The station later resumed operations at a new location in London. ABC News, 3 July 2026 The Swift operations team at Penn State University’s Eberly College of Science has reduced power usage and steered the observatory to eye the cosmos from a more streamlined position. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The partners are targeting commercial operation of the first reactor by 2034. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for operation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operation
Noun
  • Their 10-day mission around the moon and back to Earth began with the roaring ignition of SLS's four RS-25 engines and two massive solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 1 July 2026
  • The video explores how robotic missions, lunar resources, nuclear power, and advanced spacecraft systems are laying the foundation for future human missions.
    Paid Content by Lockheed Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Legislative expert and law professor Chris Micheli said lawmakers frequently include controversial provisions in bills during the early stages of the legislative process.
    June 24, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Andrea Davis, president and CEO of The Resiliency Initiative, has spent 25 years planning emergency response and crisis management for organizations including Disney, Walmart, the FIFA World Cup and Times Square's New Year's Eve celebration.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Water management plans must include estimates of water usage, discharge locations and plans to minimize water demand.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Beyond some areas just being warmer, population, geography and infrastructure also make a difference in air conditioning use and adoption.
    Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Lee Feldman held the job for seven years until he was fired in 2018 by the commission.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Proponents of the authorization note that the $155 million investment arrives four years after a severe drought in the Sacramento Valley in 2022 had cost local communities hundreds of millions of dollars and roughly 1,500 jobs.
    Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • With the expansion, AGH now operates three cath labs, three EP labs, two multiprocedural rooms and a hybrid surgical suite that can be used for either cath or EP procedures.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Several months earlier, county auditors identified lax accounting procedures that resulted in LAHSA’s failure to pay its contractors on time.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • On direct appeal, the Florida Supreme Court vacated the death sentence and remanded the case for reconsideration over the trial court's handling of aggravating and mitigating factors in the case.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Raman declined to comment on Bass’ handling of the Boyle Heights fire.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Going forward, the city will encourage data center developers to submit an application for a special use district, meaning the site would specifically be used for a data center, nothing else.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
  • Banks discovered that lounge access drove credit card applications.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Operation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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