Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

operates

verb , present tense third-person singular of operate

Synonyms and Antonyms of operates

1 to control the mechanical operation of
  • do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication
Synonyms of operates

handles, runs, works
Words Related to operates

uses

maneuvers, manipulates, plies, wields

commands, controls, directs, drives, guides, pilots, steers
2 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 of operates

administers, administrates, carries on, conducts, controls, directs, governs, guides, handles, keeps, manages, overlooks, oversees, presides (over), regulates, runs, stewards, superintends, supervises, tends
Words Related to operates

cares (for), minds, watches

leads, pilots, steers

guards, protects, safeguards

micromanages, stage-manages

codirects, comanages
Phrases Synonymous with operates

watches over
3 to produce a desired effect
  • the medicine will take an hour or so to operate the first time you use it
Synonyms of operates

acts, performs, takes, works
Words Related to operates

behaves, reacts, responds

affects, influences, sways

pans out, redounds, results
Phrases Synonymous with operates

takes effect, takes hold
Near Antonyms of operates

backfires

fizzles
4 to put into action or service
  • wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol
Synonyms of operates

applies, employs, exercises, exploits, harnesses, uses, utilizes
Words Related to operates

handles, manipulates, wields

directs, runs, works

cannibalizes, recycles, reuses
Phrases Synonymous with operates

brings to bear, draws on (or draws upon), makes use of
Near Antonyms of operates

ignores, neglects

misapplies, misuses

Learn More about operates

  1. Nglish: Translation of operates for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of operates for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up operates? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

belfry

Listen to the pronounciation of belfry

a bell tower

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. kangaroo court Trump blocks ambassador from testimony

  2. coup Trump accuses Democrats of overthrow attempt

  3. quid pro quo Speculation mounts over Trump's Ukraine call

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games