operates

verb

present tense third-person singular of operate
1
as in uses
to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in manages
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
3
as in works
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in applies
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 operates The local federation operates a number of programs directly and supports a wide range of education, cultural, religious and security initiatives meant to strengthen the Jewish community. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026 Gran Grif operates in the country’s heartland, where dozens of houses were looted and burned and during a predawn assault in March in the town of Jean-Denis in the Lower Artibonite region. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 Without additional support, organizers could scale back programming, increase vendor fees or reconsider how the festival operates. — Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026 California operates the biggest and most diverse school system in the country. — Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 Muangthai operates in Thailand’s booming microlending space, where financial firms provide small, short-term loans to people and businesses with limited access to capital. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 13 July 2026 The companies are working with Merzigo, a tech company that operates digital distribution channels and that has also teamed up with Hearst, Banijay, ITV and Fremantle, among others. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 July 2026 After the verdict was announced, students continued to ask Harris questions about the courtroom, the legal profession, and how the justice system operates. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 13 July 2026 The agent was with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which operates under Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operates
  1. uses
  2. manages
  3. works
  4. applies
  5. handles
  6. supervises
  7. performs
  8. utilizes
Verb
  • To manage operational heat, the hardware uses a thermal strategy that entirely removes mechanical components like fans or liquid pumps.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
  • Now, New Zealand space startup Zenno Astronautics says it’s tested an entirely new type of thruster that, unlike either of those conventional technologies, uses superconducting magnets to maintain a satellite’s orbit and orientation.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 July 2026
Definition of uses
Verb
  • The robot manages it in under a second, using 8 to 10 wingbeats, but only within a narrow set of conditions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
  • Of the processes Auger manages at Fanatics, 85 percent of the decisions occur autonomously, Clark told Geekwire.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
Definition of manages
Verb
  • When investigations uncover evidence of criminal activity, DOI routinely works with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to pursue criminal charges in addition to administrative or civil actions.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The lightweight linen-blend fabric keeps things airy, while the classic wide-leg silhouette works with everything from flip-flops during the day to strappy sandals at night.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of works
Verb
  • This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • The planning commission applies the law during its approval process.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of applies
Verb
  • The groomer parks in your driveway or at your curb, brings your dog into the vehicle and handles the full appointment on-site.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • However, JPMorgan Chase CEO Marianne Lake expressed skepticism about consumer readiness, highlighting concerns over trust, security, and liability when AI handles transactions.
    — Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of handles
Verb
  • David Smith, who supervises the district’s aedes crew, said his team has received an increasing number of service requests for day-biting mosquitoes within the neighborhood.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
  • View on Spotify Randall Poster, Air Mail’s Music Editor, supervises the music in movies.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 4 July 2026
Definition of supervises
Verb
  • If a model itself performs well but no one defines who owns the false positives after launch, every alert turns into a debate instead of a decision.
    — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The county performs about 14,000 inspections annually and about 97% of establishments pass, spokesman Ken Casparis previously told The Sacramento Bee.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of performs
Verb
  • Loose-leaf tea also utilizes larger grounds and leaf particles, which prevent the tea from deteriorating as quickly as similar bagged options.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • This marks the first time the company utilizes projection mapping onto moving figures and objects.
    — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of utilizes

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operated
operates
operatic
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Cite this Entry

“Operates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operates. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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