operated

verb

past tense of operate
1
as in used
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 managed
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 worked
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 utilized
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 operated Firestar operated a large factory inside Surat’s Special Economic Zone, a duty-free enclave that allowed the company to cut, polish and manufacture jewelry for export markets. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 Our navigation system, flood damage reduction projects, and water supply reservoirs are operated and maintained by people most Arkansans will never hear about. — Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026 Fair, 72, lives in the Sam Chriest Home in Cupertino, operated by Adults Toward Independent Living, abbreviated as ATIL. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Opportunity operated for nearly 15 years, discovering overwhelming evidence that liquid water once flowed across Mars, dramatically reshaping scientific understanding of the planet’s history. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 The projects involved crew members from 60 different countries participating online while Annapurna’s performers and technicians operated the stage in Hyderabad. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 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 Initially developed as the only Kentucky-style thoroughbred farm in California, it is currently operated as a horse training and boarding facility with an extensive farming operation, SLOCal’s website said. — Libbey Hanson, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operated
  1. used
  2. managed
  3. worked
  4. utilized
  5. handled
  6. controlled
  7. performed
  8. applied
Verb
  • Biolyz used the money to build a third lab in England, adding to facilities in Germany and Austria.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • However, consuming large amounts—such as those used in studies where up to 1/2 cup was consumed daily—can start to weaken and damage tooth enamel.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of used
Verb
  • Each step might hit a different model on different hardware managed by a different team.
    — Srikanta Datta, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Pats have managed his reps in an attempt to keep him healthy.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of managed
Verb
  • If there’s no progress, however, Kayimpa – who worked for a private health organization in Bunia before joining the Ebola effort – is ready to walk out again.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Relievers Tyson Guerrero, Garrett Whitlock and Jovani Morán worked an inning apiece to complete a four-hitter, Boston's 11th shutout of the season.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of worked
Verb
  • As a junior last season, Howard was utilized on flare screens and jet runs to optimize his explosive speed and quickness.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • For its part, the Westmoreland Museum of Art utilized its partnership with Art Bridges to develop the Art Maze, an interactive installation that transformed the museum’s Cantilever Galleries into a navigable labyrinth painted by local artists.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of utilized
Verb
  • The Strait of Hormuz — which handled around one-fifth of global oil supply before the war — has seen traffic drop to a trickle with sporadic increase in ship transits on positive headlines.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • What expressiveness in the robot changed in participants was how their brains handled the moment.
    — Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of handled
Verb
  • Its infrared search and track data fed directly into an onboard AI agent that controlled the X-62A and guided it into tactical intercept positions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Every woman, child, and man alive was out here grinding all day every day except on Lincoln’s Birthday in death-trap packing plants controlled by a five-man syndicate called the Beef Trust.
    — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of controlled
Verb
  • In the past year since the outbreak of Israel’s siege of Lebanon, Wakim, Elassal, and Aukar have all performed shows in the country.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Following the hormone injections, an outpatient procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.
    — Isabel Danzis, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of performed
Verb
  • When, in January 2018, Modi’s associates applied for new letters, a new official in charge asked for collateral in cash, ultimately exposing the alleged scam.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The latest awards reinforce how those engineering capabilities are being applied to torpedo reliability, submarine maintenance and the long-term readiness of America’s undersea fleet.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of applied

Browse Nearby Words

operate
operated
operates
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Cite this Entry

“Operated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operated. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of operated for Spanish Speakers

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