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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 For those in Palm Beach County, Alpert JFS also operates its own Community Access Life Line (CALL), at 561-684-1991 for information, intake and referral services. — Courtney Marx, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026 Third Act now operates in about 30 states, with a robust chapter in Southern California. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 Chef Michael Mina, who operates more than 30 restaurants globally, is opening his only Pacific Northwest location at Portland’s Heathman Hotel this fall. — Brian Malarkey, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 The world’s largest food and beverage company still operates six sites in Russia, employing more than 7,000 people. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 The combined company operates under the Tulip brand and supports about 100 enterprise-level retail clients and more than 100,000 sales associates across more than 70 countries. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 BetterHalf Films, which operates offices in Toronto and London, joins Indonesia’s Studio Amarana as co-producer on the film, an adaptation of Fembriarto’s novel and comic book of the same name. — Ed Meza, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 In total, six employees contracted the disease, according to Fraport, the firm that operates Frankfurt Airport, The Express reported. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Company values guide how an organization builds its culture, makes decisions and operates day to day. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operates
  1. uses
  2. manages
  3. works
  4. applies
  5. handles
  6. supervises
  7. performs
  8. utilizes
Verb
  • Another newer credit score model, FICO 10T, which uses similar alternative data, is expected to be approved for use in mortgages by FHFA in the coming months.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Heat pipes drive compact design The eVinci reactor uses a compact architecture built around heat pipes, TRISO fuel, and a graphite core.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of uses
Verb
  • That capacity will be needed as Britain manages several submarine programs at the same time.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Andra Bennett, a spokesperson for the city’s public events department, which manages the convention center, said the demolition of the center’s arena is the next phase in a project that has spanned two decades.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of manages
Verb
  • But however janky, the system just about works for the ornery menfolk muddling their way through it, with their many beefs mostly resolved with a bottle of lethally alcoholic local tipple chacha, or a punch to the face, or both.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • On Tuesday, the company unveiled AIForce, a live interface that works across the Salesforce ecosystem.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of works
Verb
  • This applies most where a tool’s confidence in a candidate runs unusually high or low, since that is where distortion is most likely to hide.
    — Houman Akhavan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The senior stimulus provided relief to a small group of homeowners, while the millage rate applies to the broader property tax base.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of applies
Verb
  • Loco Films handles sales, while Caramel Films distributes in Spain.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Having to balance coverage of this unimaginable tragedy with more typical Housewives scenes is a remarkably tricky balancing act, but one that the show handles well.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of handles
Verb
  • Some act like the cool parent who supervises their child’s drug use.
    — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In her current role, Second Assistant District Attorney, Sprague supervises all homicides that occur in Plymouth County as well as all firearm and narcotics cases, according to her profile.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of supervises
Verb
  • Metallica performs on an in-the-round-style stage, set up at the center of the venue.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Shortly after, Sheeran lost part of his backing band, which performs with him for a number of songs each night.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of performs
Verb
  • Studio Lambert produces the series, which utilizes reality TV stars and other media personalities for its contestant pool.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Other benefits could include scaling India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model across BRICS, which utilizes e-commerce to sell globally.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of utilizes

Browse Nearby Words

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 23 Sep. 2026.

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