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 Imad, from Lebanon, operates back of the house cooking chicken shawarma, gyros, falafel and their delicious house salads. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 Unlike Hamas, which deliberately targets Israeli civilians, the IDF takes all feasible precautions to mitigate harm to civilians and operates under a structured targeting framework designed to ensure the identification of lawful military objectives. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 At the time, Tharanco, which owns or operates nearly 30 brands including Greg Norman, Dunning, Joseph A, Hi-Tec and Scarlett, had grand ambitions for growing the Nick Graham business. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 The capital from the acquisition will allow Bleecker to continue to operate its film business and build out its event label, Crosswalk. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate

Verb

Hickel also described how the production used virtual reality to scout digital environments and simulate different seating positions inside an IMAX auditorium.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Their role becomes clear at 21-, 36- and 52-Across, where the clues solve to partial entries, which can be completed only by using the entry spaces of those dash clues.

— Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

For younger consumers who have always managed much of their lives through apps, these experiences often feel like different versions of the same activity.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Separate nozzles also don't solve the problems of bonding incompatible materials or managing different printing temperatures.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

There is also an elevator, although it’s best utilized as a dumbwaiter for luggage and is not recommended for guest use.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Batters have been more successful on robot umpire challenges in the playoffs than during the regular season, and teams are utilizing the Automated Ball-Strike System more overall in its postseason debut.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of utilize

Verb

Tippett’s team animated physical puppets, while ILM handled compositing and digital fire, smoke and explosions.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Needless to say, the system has to be robust enough to handle battlefield conditions, including electronic warfare and communications blackouts.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of handle

Verb

Fisker Automotive said that an internal investigation supervised by transportation regulators found salt corrosion had caused a short circuit in the battery, leading to the fire, rather than a preexisting defect.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Moton discussed it and his future with numerous people, including his family and Panthers team doctor Nancy Gritter, who supervised much of his care.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of supervise

Verb

The sink basins are large enough, however, the stopper (plug) at the sanitizer basin does not work and water continuously flows.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
The casting was essential because the film only works if everyone commits completely to this ridiculous situation.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Verb

The approach applies manufacturing practices to research and development, allowing engineers and machinists to modify components and processes quickly as designs evolve.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.

— Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of apply

Browse Nearby Words

operant

operate

operated

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of operate

verb

Example Sentences

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