operate

verb

ˈä-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
Definition of operatenext
1
as in to use
to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of operate After all, remote firms like his have the top pick of top global talent and can operate around the clock. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 However, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner — which uses the same train tracks — is still expected to operate. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 The shop later operated in Denver in eastern Lincoln County before its present, far more spacious digs on Buchanan Place in Newton. — Joe Marusak august 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026 Sony Pictures bought the Dome, which will be operated by Alamo Dratfhouse. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
  1. use
  2. manage
  3. perform
  4. utilize
  5. handle
  6. supervise
  7. work
  8. apply
Verb
  • Hundreds of people with stereo systems, disco balls, tents, kegs and mattresses left huge amounts of trash, set off fireworks and used Tunitas Creek Beach as a bathroom during all-night events.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Carrick using Mbeumo as a centre-forward is not new — but the way United’s forward line is gelling around him is.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of use
Verb
  • Carrick named an unchanged line-up in four of his 17 Premier League games last season — a feat Amorim managed just once.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Orlando’s best chance of the first half came in the 31st minute when Simone Jackson hit the crossbar, but the Pride managed little else going forward and went into the break trailing.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • This compilation, led by contributing editor Ardian Wibisono and contributor Yessar Rosendar, shines a light on top-performing companies with sales above $10 million and below $1 billion.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In a statement released Thursday evening, Live Nation said Earth, Wind & Fire was unable to perform as scheduled because of the medical emergency.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Though the 34 cameras have been mounted at intersections throughout the city for several years, there's a new wave of suspicion about them and the way they're utilized by law enforcement.
    — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Residents have already started commenting on the Facebook video with questions about power outages, utilizing the Indiana National Guard to support clean up efforts and water connections.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of utilize
Verb
  • Most of those cases occurred in Orange County, where prosecution would have been handled by Worrell’s office.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Group similar tasks, write the list, and handle the message that prevents confusion later.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • Nick Martin, a DOT supervising engineer and project manager for the bridge rehab, answered that the choices aren’t that simple.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Becoming a therapist requires years of education, supervised practice, licensing examinations and often substantial student debt.
    — Wayne Lonstein, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • In May 2023, Serbia and Kosovo reached an agreement which included commitments by both sides to clarify the fate of the missing, but Kosovo and Serbia have accused each other of stalling efforts to work together.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office alleges Hilliard stole $9,510 while working as the administrator of Colorado’s Nike Elite program from 2021 to 2025.
    — Matt Moret, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of work
Verb
  • The marks apply across all Claude surfaces people use — the API, Claude Code, Claude Cowork and deployments through AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Foundry.
    — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But no matter the amount returned, states have held that their specific rules apply to banks lending within their borders.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of apply

Browse Nearby Words

operant
operate
operated
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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on operate

Nglish: Translation of operate for Spanish Speakers

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