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 British tech unicorn, which operates a string of AI-ready data centres in the US and Europe and is backed by the deep pockets of Nvidia, has filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026

The Resolutions Living home operates in a regulatory gray area and is not authorized to provide medical care. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

VenHub owns and operates two, including the LAX location, and has sold three others to third parties. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026

Truist analyst Brian Foran pointed out that the company operates with a net interest margin of roughly 8%, making a few basis points of movement much less consequential. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

However, conventional lithium-sulfur chemistry operates at a relatively low voltage. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Some have speculated that the film is about a doctor who operates on an internet-famous person. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Skipworth leads Wingstop, which operates and franchises more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

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