OPERATE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

operate

verb

ˈä-pə-ˌrāt

Definition of operate

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

as in to manage

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

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

as in to utilize

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 operate The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 draws on responses from more than 1,000 employers operating across 22 industries and 55 economies. — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Preliminary findings indicated a measurable reduction in particulate emissions associated with contrail formation when the G800 operated on the fuel. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 Ikea currently operates more than 500 stores worldwide, including more than 50 in the United States. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Eight of these behemoths were preserved, but only one – number 4014 – is in operating condition. — Jeff Lunden, NPR, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate

Verb

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
The company says its CoSMo fusion systems are based on the magnetic mirror concept, which uses magnetic fields to confine high-temperature plasma.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Definition of use

Verb

Tracy, who managed several of the current Red Sox players in Triple A earlier this season, isn’t surprised by their success.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
According to a source, Oman has drafted a proposal to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key sticking point in the conflict.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

But for many Georgians who volunteered, worked, performed or attended the Games, the memories that have endured are far more personal.

— Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
One of Ramboll’s innovations is to address reactive power, a component of electricity that does not perform useful work but is essential in maintaining electrical and magnetic fields and controlling voltage levels.

— Drew Robb, IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026

Definition of perform

Verb

The escalating standoff comes as the fragile truce reached last month has fractured, once again disrupting energy flows through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles around 20% of the world's oil traffic.

— Sam Meredith,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 July 2026
The state attorneys general and Paramount previously agreed to link the private party suit to the states’ case, which means that Martinez-Olguin will handle the state matter as well.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 July 2026

Definition of handle

Verb

Adults should closely supervise children around water and avoid distractions such as reading, using a phone, or other activities that take attention away from swimmers, the agency states on its website.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Illinois resident Mwite Emily Kasanga, who went by Emily, died at 34 after allegedly choking on food when her care team failed to supervise her eating despite known risks, according to a July 6 complaint obtained by PEOPLE.

— Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of supervise

Verb

The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The men who wrote the Constitution distrusted parties, but also created and worked within them.

— Andy Craig, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

Definition of work

Verb

The tariff will apply to a host of Brazilian products, but will exempt certain major exports including coffee, beef, avocados, Brazil nuts, petroleum oils and aircraft parts, according to a notice published by the Office of the USTR.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
More than 36,000 people have applied since online submissions opened May 1 via Mnet Plus, with almost a third of applicants coming from the Americas.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of apply

Browse Nearby Words

operant

operate

operated

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Style

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of operate

verb

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