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

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

Examples 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 The trustee who oversaw the auction, Christopher Murray, had defended the Onion’s bid as superior to that of the only other bidder, First United American Companies, which operates the ShopAlexJones.com website. Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024 Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates roughly 2,300 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw's. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024 Combined, the two companies would have employed more than 710,000 workers and operate nearly 5,000 stores, almost 4,000 pharmacies and over 2,000 fuel centers nationwide. Richard Collings, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024 Intelligence investigations operate in a more nebulous realm. Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for operate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • The words are often used when referring to the insurance industry to describe a strategy of rejecting claims.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • In return, the Rays will use the Yankees’ home clubhouse and training facilities, including the team’s new multistory baseball operations building set to open before the start of spring training.
    Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • What was once an overflowing reservoir has shrunk and the same agencies that released water into the Canyon are trying to manage what's left.
    Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Costs are rising, and insurers are using more controls such as prior authorizations and doctor networks to manage them.
    Tom Murphy and Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Kamilah performed an original rap that hyped up Seacrest.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • This can be performed in separate locations or between individuals in the same room using a speakerphone.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Each bottle utilizes a blend of liquids from the 4, 5, 6, and 7-year barrels.
    Erik Ofgang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The investigation was conducted over several months, according to Ciccone, and uncovered a closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University students to buy and sell narcotics.
    Stepheny Price, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Calm Parenting Podcast—Listen to parenting advice, including how to handle a strong-willed child, from Celebrate Calm Founder Kirk Martin.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The Cook County state’s attorney’s office handled the largest number of the 35 eligible criminal cases involving health care workers since early 2019, with 11 workers eventually facing IDFPR discipline.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Virgin River mayor and chief meddler Hope McRae (Annette O'Toole) is supervising the wedding organization, the town's equivalent of a royal wedding.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • The kids can run around (supervised) with their peers for water sports, hiking, pizza parties, games, and more while parents enjoy yoga, tennis, swimming, or just take in the scenic views.
    Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Less than two minutes later, the Lightning went to work on the power play and showed why their top unit is still a formidable threat despite Steven Stamkos’ departure.
    Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The three-ball is just a refined tool in his arsenal, one he’s worked tirelessly to hone.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Build Trust Through Small Actions Mentorship thrives on three things: knowing, liking, and trusting someone.
    Dr. Ruth Gotian, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • While the requirement to stay in character was applied externally—in some cases by media attempts to entrap Santas with the suggestion of inappropriate behavior—the men Hancock interviewed described feeling their own commitment.
    Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near operate

Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on operate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!