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 company says its sodium-ion platform operates with passive cooling, eliminating the need for those systems. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Technically not in Lofoten, but well worth extending your trip for, Kvitnes Gard is a historic estate in Hadsel, Vesterålen, that operates as a 15-room farm hotel. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026

Betsy Smith, the head of the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit which operates the park, cheered the passage of the bill. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

The consortium uses services from S3NS, a French company controlled by Thales that operates Google Cloud technology. — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

The group also operates Zaytina, a Mediterranean restaurant, in a partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Each user receives an isolated virtual computer where their agent operates and stores information. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Djrum is the rare DJ who operates almost entirely outside the world of genre; his sets swing from breakcore to IDM, jungle to techno, garage to field recordings to—well—whatever, really, depending on mood. — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026

Södra represents more than 50,000 family forest owners in Sweden and operates businesses spanning pulp, timber, building systems, energy and biochemicals. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026