Synonyms of operating

operating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tiŋ 

as in operational

being in effective operation

the only operating nuclear power plant in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operational
• operative
• functioning
• running
• working
• going
• on
• active
• functional
• operable
• in force
• live
• alive
• living
• in commission
• on line
• effective
• viable
• producing
• performing
• in gear
• serving
• effectual
• useful
• usable
• flourishing
• employable
• workable
• humming
• productive
• yielding
• thriving
• busy
• dynamic
• bustling
• roaring
• astir

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• broken
• dead
• inoperative
• inactive
• nonoperative
• nonfunctioning
• nonfunctional
• nonoperating
• nonoperational
• ineffective
• useless
• nonactivated
• ineffectual
• decommissioned
• deactivated
• arrested
• idle
• kaput
• inoperable
• unusable
• unworkable
• dormant
• quiescent
• inert
• latent
• fallow
• asleep
• unproductive
• sleepy
• nonproductive
• lifeless
• stagnating
• vegetating

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

• handling
• using
• working
• running
• driving
• manipulating
• controlling
• wielding
• guiding
• maneuvering
• steering
• directing
• plying
• commanding
• piloting

2

as in managing

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

• managing
• supervising
• controlling
• overseeing
• handling
• running
• regulating
• conducting
• governing
• keeping
• administering
• guiding
• directing
• tending
• protecting
• presiding (over)
• superintending
• administrating
• carrying on
• watching over
• overlooking
• stewarding
• leading
• steering
• watching
• safeguarding
• piloting
• guarding
• caring (for)
• minding
• micromanaging
• codirecting
• stage-managing
• comanaging

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

• working
• performing
• taking
• acting
• reacting
• responding
• taking effect
• resulting
• taking hold
• affecting
• behaving
• influencing
• swaying
• redounding
• panning out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backfiring
• fizzling

4

as in using

to put into action or service

wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol

Synonyms & Similar Words

• using
• utilizing
• applying
• exploiting
• employing
• harnessing
• exercising
• drawing on
• making use of
• handling
• manipulating
• bringing to bear
• wielding
• working
• directing
• running
• recycling
• reusing
• cannibalizing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoring
• neglecting
• misusing
• misapplying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of operating

Adjective

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

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

Verb

There has to be a strong connection between the design and the operating side. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 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

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

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

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insecurity has worsened as the militants have started operating in the southern region. — ABC News, 24 June 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

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

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