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

Hamas is the terrorist group that has pledged to eliminate Israel, which operates in Gaza, the area adjacent to Israel. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Retail operates as an interconnected system where merchandising, supply chain, warehouse operations, stores, e-commerce and customer service constantly influence one another. — Shariq Rehman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Michibiki 7 will be part of Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), a homegrown navigation system that operates high above Earth in geosynchronous orbit. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Huggard’s restaurant group, Shucking Good Hospitality, already operates Blue Island Oyster Bar, Ash & Agave and Oliver’s Italian. — Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Much of cross-border e-commerce operates under a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) model, where the consumer—not the merchant—is the importer of record. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Head Start, which operates in all 50 states, has long enjoyed robust bipartisan support. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

WestJet operates a fleet of 200 aircraft, most of them Boeing 737 single-aisle jets. — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026

The merits of this argument can be debated—and will be debated by one of the task forces that Warsh has appointed to review how the Fed operates. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026