operating 1 of 2

Definition of operatingnext

operating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of operate
1
as in handling
to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in working
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

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 operating
Adjective
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026 Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others. Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026 Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million. Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The main reason behind it was an increase in non-operating expenses and higher income tax in the quarter. Trefis Team, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022
Verb
Wayne County prosecutors charged 29-year-old Nicholas Alexander Lee-Nathan with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, and two counts of reckless driving causing death. Terell Bailey, CBS News, 2 July 2026 That playbook still works for some businesses, particularly those operating in sectors that continue to attract significant venture interest or those pursuing opportunities that require substantial upfront investment. Wayne Cantwell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Still operating today, guests scuba-dive 21 feet down to check into a suite that sleeps six. Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 There has to be a strong connection between the design and the operating side. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insecurity has worsened as the militants have started operating in the southern region. ABC News, 24 June 2026 The supervisors unanimously approved a lease in May allowing American to add two more daily round trips from Carlsbad to Phoenix in the 76-seat Embraer 175 jets that have been operating out of Palomar since February 2025. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2026 Since the heat is removed directly from the source, the processors can continue operating at full performance even with much warmer coolant temperatures than traditional cooling systems would allow. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 Slate is aiming to begin operating the factory through its normal production processes by the fourth quarter, according to the company. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operating
Adjective
  • Adding to this context, engineering manager Roel Verhoeven noted that the primary hurdle for commercial fusion is ensuring that plants can actually be serviced throughout their operational lifespans.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • North Korea first unveiled the Choe Hyon in April 2025, which Kim portrayed as a major step toward expanding his military’s operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The way Luke is handling the love triangle with Joy and Gen makes Nathan and Joe look like sage old men.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Portugal’s biggest warning sign came in their final clash, with Colombia managing 24 shots on goal — their most recorded in a World Cup game.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • There’s less enthusiasm for FIFA’s role in managing the World Cup.
    Linley Sanders, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • In soccer, the line between a yellow and a red card can be subjective, depending on the referee working the game that day and his or her interpretation of the play.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Helms-Burton is, three decades after its enactment, fully operative against both categories of defendants, at least where Cuban entities are concerned.
    Manuel A. Gómez, The Conversation, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • That means many households will be paying more per kilowatt-hour at the same time air conditioners are running longer and harder, a combination that can quickly drive up summer statements.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Even though the show has been running for decades, the creative team said each cast brings a new energy and tone.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Nadella is also supervising major changes in units such as Xbox and has become more hands-on with product development.
    Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026
  • Army investigations have repeatedly pointed to the same factors contributing to fatal training incidents including sleep deprivation, inadequate training and inexperienced leaders supervising high-risk exercises.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Operating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operating. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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