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

The service Gracious and genial, the staff operates on a high level. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Systemwide, American operates more than 6,000 daily flights to over 350 destinations across 60+ countries, serving more than 200 million customers annually. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026

Terrestrial Energy’s technical filing demonstrates that the core nuclear module operates with complete independence from the power-conversion systems. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

The last category is tone, a kind of light and whimsical atmosphere that operates independently of any single joke. — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Formed in the aftermath of a disastrous mountain war with China in 1962, the ITBP operates in some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Manufacturers in Bangladesh have been calling for a greater say in how the system operates, contending that the present RSC structure is slowing down remediation and increasing costs. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Version 1 of Starlink Mobile currently operates with about 650 satellites. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

The plane was carrying out a medical evacuation in Bermuda, said Clarence Togeretz, the director of flight operations at Latitude Air Ambulance, which operates the plane. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2026