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

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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

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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

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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 company operates another rideshare series as well, called Bandwagon, which has launched four missions to date. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 July 2026 Trent operates fast fashion stores primarily in India under the brands Westside and Zudio. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 July 2026 The Lounge The private terminals JSX operates from—often at smaller airports—aren’t designed for travelers to spend extended periods of time in. — Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Sam’s Club currently operates 82 stores in Texas; the new locations will increase its statewide footprint to 86 warehouse clubs. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Combs operates on the belief that a defense is only as strong as its foundation. — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 As its namesake implies, The Paperworks operates out of a paper making building made in 1925. — Emma Hall july 6, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 California typically operates with a spending deficit because Democrats spend more money than the state brings in. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 The 16-year-old Carwow operates across the UK, Germany and Spain, and claims to help more than 10 million customers buy, lease and sell vehicles each year. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 June 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
  • These advocates are also concerned about oversight, and say the facility represents a departure from how the government manages those children.
    — JACK BROOK, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • The Makers Market is an organization separate from Santana Row that manages the application and permits of local vendors.
    — Fatima Corona, Mercury News, 6 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
  • Milshtein previously served as adviser to COGAT, which supervises civilian policy in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
  • As chief of patrol, Hein supervises the most visible aspects of the Police Department that define its image in the minds of most Chicagoans, including emergency response, crisis intervention, traffic control, routine patrol and community policing efforts.
    — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of operates for Spanish Speakers

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