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

4

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 Their capabilities range from organizing desks and sorting items to operating complex equipment, demonstrating the potential for widespread application across multiple industries. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2025 Can Notre Dame run as much single-high safety without Watts operating as a decoder ring at the back? Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Sunway’s healthcare division, eyeing a Bursa Malaysia listing, already operates three hospitals with seven more planned. Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025 Kelly is now tasked with operating a group that was No. 29 overall in points and No. 27 in total yardage in 2024. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • The intrigue: There's growing speculation that the Vikes could use the franchise tag on Darnold and then trade him to another team that is desperate for a quarterback, like the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants.
    Nick Halter, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The dog owner, who uses the social-media tag @_nalacockapoo, decided to share how the doting pup follows her to the shower, in a video that has garnered more than 517,300 views and over 28,900 likes on TikTok.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Only two tracks have managed to lead the Hot Dance/Pop Songs list since its inception six weeks ago.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The park service maintains and manages more than 400 natural, cultural, and recreational sites, along with about 26,000 historic structures.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 2013, the group was hired by Vladimir Putin to perform a pre-Valentine's Day concert as part of a campaign to boost the country's declining birthrate.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Verbruggen performed well, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to play at the tournament for 60 years against Poland in the group stages en route to a 2-1 defeat by England in the semi-finals.
    Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Well before Homer Glen incorporated as a municipality in 2001, developers were building subdivisions that were too dense to utilize well and septic systems, village engineer Brett Westcott said at a Village Board meeting last month.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
  • When George gets nothing more than a couple jump balls, Williams gets nothing at all, and the team refuses to utilize the most physically gifted guy on the field in Darnell Washington, none of this matters.
    Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For tasks that require a human touch, hire virtual assistants to handle them efficiently, freeing up your time to focus on growth and strategy.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Kids who communicate well, handle emotions effectively and build healthy relationships aren’t just naturally skilled at social interactions.
    Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The restoration was supervised by Ross Lipman and Jillian Borders, in consultation with Burnett.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Instead of hospital beds, jail cells or the streets, Carroll Respite provides structured, medically supervised care for vulnerable individuals.
    Leslie Simmons, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Baldwin, who works as a program manager for a nonprofit that holds classes and workshops for seniors, gets small raises sporadically and hasn’t received a bump in two years.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In season 3, Patrick plays Saxon Ratliff, the eldest son of Timothy (played by Jason Isaacs) and Victoria (Parker Posey), who works for his father’s company.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Burkhardt explained the companies will assess the reception of Canada Goose’s debut eyewear collection and take those learnings to apply to future launches.
    Layla Ilchi, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
  • This approach can be applied to a team, a division, or even an entire organization.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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