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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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 Pininfarina has been operating its wind tunnel since 1972, and has been updating it to further support two-wheeler manufacturers more recently. New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025 Seven vital missile batteries The two SAMP/Ts and six Patriots the Ukrainian air force currently operates should, in theory, provide slightly more than the bare minimum of long-range air-defense coverage of the biggest Ukrainian cities. David Axe, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The streaming service operates in about half the territories of major competitors Netflix and Disney, but expects to roughly match their reach over time, according to company spokespeople. David Bloom, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 The company eventually owned and operated six production studios in Vancouver and Toronto. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for operate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate
Verb
  • In addition to this, using excessive water or harsh chemical cleaners can then lead to moisture accumulation around window seals, which can potentially cause mould growth or deterioration of the frame around the windows.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Very quickly, Nate learns to use his affliction to his advantage via such methods as grabbing a blazing hot frying pan and pummeling his stunned opponent with it during a kitchen fight.
    Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What's most impressive about this feat is that Tecno still managed to put a 5,200mAh battery inside the phone.
    Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Most of Apple’s choices in the 16e seem to serve the goal of unifying the whole iPhone lineup to simplify the message for consumers and make things easier for Apple to manage efficiently, but the dropping of MagSafe is bizarre.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The company's future braking system is highly integrated into the vehicle and performs nearly 100 functions.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Mexican musician Natanael Cano, who has yet to perform in the United States, has been tapped as the Sunday Special Performer.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Stepping into this influential role and utilizing her platform to highlight global women’s health needs was never a question for Sharapova.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Satellite connectivity Recent flagship iPhones have gradually added a small suite of features that utilize satellite connectivity to make life a little easier and safer.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The animal welfare group KC Pet Project will no longer be in charge of handling dog bite complaints, picking up strays and rescuing pets who’ve been mistreated after a six- or seven-month transition period.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
  • New York’s power grid was not designed to handle an all-electric city, and such a massive conversion would require years of careful design, planning and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
    Kris DeLair, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And another question: Isn’t anyone supervising the people who design these things?
    Jim Alexander, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Environmental Protection Agency staff members across the country have been told by supervisors they are prohibited from communicating with grantee partners they are supposed to supervise and monitor, according to multiple sources inside the EPA and others working directly with the agency.
    MaryAlice Parks, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As of late, Goodman, an Oscar winner, has been working mostly in the TV space.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Both work very well to ensure that the dirt, dust, and grime are actually coming out of the tiny grooves on your record.
    Parker Hall, WIRED, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • This article was generated by the Kansas City Star Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes structured information from TomTom and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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