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

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 company operates mobile and broadband networks as well as the MOD IPTV service and the Hami Video streaming platform, which together have more than 3 million subscribers. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026 In Colorado, the chain operates more than 10 restaurants, with locations spanning from Colorado Springs to Arvada. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026 The nonprofit American Farmland Trust released its list of the top farmers markets based on nationwide votes, according to a news release from the Midtown Association which owns and operates the market. — Kat Tran november 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026 One mechanical arm grips a branch while the other operates the chainsaw. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026 And American Airlines operates almost twice as many daily flights out of its gates compared to the average user at CLT, according to the airline. — Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2026 Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which operates the park, announced Friday that the park's final day of operation will be on Labor Day, September 6. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026 The company says its sodium-ion platform operates with passive cooling, eliminating the need for those systems. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 Technically not in Lofoten, but well worth extending your trip for, Kvitnes Gard is a historic estate in Hadsel, Vesterålen, that operates as a 15-room farm hotel. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operates
  1. uses
  2. manages
  3. works
  4. applies
  5. handles
  6. supervises
  7. performs
  8. utilizes
Verb
  • Integrated photonics uses light to transmit and manipulate information within compact circuits.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sand criticized Iowa's education savings account, or voucher, program, which uses public money to help families pay private school tuition.
    — Sheila Brummer, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of uses
Verb
  • This book manages to deliver on the promise of the jaunt without losing any of the rigor.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Her lips were frosted with a sheen of seashell pink, which manages to be both wintry and summery at the same time.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of manages
Verb
  • The Government Accountability Office has highlighted these challenges as the Air Force works toward replacing its aging ICBM fleet.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Democrat is running for Precinct 2 commissioner to create a government that works for everyday people, prioritizing lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of works
Verb
  • Proponents say the measure applies to eight categories of projects California communities need to expand housing, improve civic infrastructure and promote green energy.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • On the other hand, many of these albums are timeless and continue to resonate, and today’s streaming culture has embraced exhuming catalog music — something that applies not only to old singles, but to old albums.
    — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of applies
Verb
  • Cappu also operates out of Beijing and handles select releases in its home market and mainland China.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Northrop Grumman leads development of the three-stage solid-fuel missile, while Lockheed Martin handles its next-generation reentry vehicle.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of handles
Verb
  • Although labs such as DeepSeek and Moonshot AI are private, the state supervises them at every stage and, increasingly, finances them.
    — NIALL FERGUSON, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Request the treating physician’s name and qualifications, then ask who performs each stage and how the physician supervises the team.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of supervises
Verb
  • The company now performs in a basement and is equipping an additional bomb shelter.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Among them was her friend Olivia Rodrigo, who booked Johanningmeier, who performs as Devon Again, for an early-day slot.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of performs
Verb
  • La Dame utilizes some ingredients only seen here, such as France’s superb Normandy butter.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Plus, Skullcandy's Crusher Bass technology utilizes dedicated bass drivers to really give you a head-banging experience, sending bone-shattering bass pulsating through your skull.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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