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.
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Recent Examples of operate
Today, the University of Arizona operates the project with a different mission.
—
Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 July 2025
The smart device pairs with Alexa, Siri, and Google Home and can be operated via an app.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Everything from weather satellites to GPS satellites to telecommunications to nuclear missiles and other weapons of war rely on precise timing to operate properly.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
His influence on Chelsea’s sequences of possession is almost entirely focused on the left ‘pocket’ or half-space, operating alongside Cole Palmer as one of two advanced creators in a ‘box’ midfield.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for operate
Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 July 2025
The smart device pairs with Alexa, Siri, and Google Home and can be operated via an app.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Everything from weather satellites to GPS satellites to telecommunications to nuclear missiles and other weapons of war rely on precise timing to operate properly.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
His influence on Chelsea’s sequences of possession is almost entirely focused on the left ‘pocket’ or half-space, operating alongside Cole Palmer as one of two advanced creators in a ‘box’ midfield.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
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Taiwanese soldiers stand by for a drill using an MIM-104 Patriot short-range anti-aircraft missile system at an air base in Taichung City, central Taiwan, on January 8, 2025.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
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The treatment had never been used on a species of raptor before, but Ammann took a leap and sent them an email.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Australia’s oldest operating planetarium is the Melbourne Planetarium, managed by Museums Victoria since 1965.—
Martin Bush,
Space.com,
5 July 2025
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Cortisol can also manage how your body fat and muscles use glucose.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
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The military branch is slated to perform its first-ever refueling of a U.S. military asset in orbit as early as next summer.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
10 July 2025
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The show features five drag queens, each performing two of Swift's eras.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
9 July 2025
Verb
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At least three medical helicopters were utilized to transport victims to local hospitals, per The Outlook and ABC 33-40.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
5 July 2025
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Instead of using a traditional app, the program utilizes a digital wallet system and focuses on frequency.—
Krysta Escobar,
CNBC,
5 July 2025
Verb
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There are, however, a variety of B2B businesses out there tailored to handle services like these.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
5 July 2025
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While marketed as ideal starter pets for children, they were described by multiple users as difficult to handle and heartbreakingly short-lived.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Dogs should be supervised when chewing on a bone, and larger breeds should get large ones to prevent swallowing; there are also plenty of chew toys that have a similar texture to bones, which could be a good alternative.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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But for now, corrections employees are supervising a rising number of prisoners.—
Mario Koran,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The faculty is brimming with principal players from leading orchestras from across the U.S. Yoyo and Jun have been looking forward to working with all the teachers, especially the experts on their instruments.—
Beth Wood,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
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Firms aspire to generate new possibilities of working, operating, interacting, playing, and living for its customers.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
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As my Organizational Behavior professor at INSEAD, Kets de Vries challenged us to think about how to apply principles, not just learn them.—
Melanie Hughes,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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The same applies to travelers with mobility concerns.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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