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 local federation operates a number of programs directly and supports a wide range of education, cultural, religious and security initiatives meant to strengthen the Jewish community. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Gran Grif operates in the country’s heartland, where dozens of houses were looted and burned and during a predawn assault in March in the town of Jean-Denis in the Lower Artibonite region. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Without additional support, organizers could scale back programming, increase vendor fees or reconsider how the festival operates. — Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

California operates the biggest and most diverse school system in the country. — Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Muangthai operates in Thailand’s booming microlending space, where financial firms provide small, short-term loans to people and businesses with limited access to capital. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 13 July 2026

The companies are working with Merzigo, a tech company that operates digital distribution channels and that has also teamed up with Hearst, Banijay, ITV and Fremantle, among others. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 July 2026

After the verdict was announced, students continued to ask Harris questions about the courtroom, the legal profession, and how the justice system operates. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The agent was with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which operates under Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 July 2026