Synonyms of operates

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

• uses
• handles
• works
• runs
• manipulates
• drives
• wields
• controls
• maneuvers
• directs
• steers
• guides
• plies
• pilots
• commands

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

• manages
• supervises
• oversees
• regulates
• conducts
• handles
• runs
• controls
• governs
• administers
• directs
• tends
• keeps
• protects
• administrates
• guides
• overlooks
• superintends
• presides (over)
• watches over
• carries on
• steers
• leads
• watches
• stewards
• cares (for)
• safeguards
• minds
• pilots
• guards
• micromanages
• stage-manages
• codirects
• comanages

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

• works
• performs
• takes
• reacts
• acts
• responds
• takes effect
• behaves
• affects
• takes hold
• results
• influences
• sways
• redounds
• pans out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backfires
• fizzles

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

• uses
• applies
• utilizes
• employs
• exploits
• harnesses
• exercises
• draws on
• wields
• handles
• manipulates
• makes use of
• brings to bear
• works
• directs
• runs
• recycles
• reuses
• cannibalizes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignores
• neglects
• misapplies
• misuses

Example Sentences

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