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

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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
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operates
  1. uses
  2. manages
  3. works
  4. applies
  5. handles
  6. supervises
  7. performs
  8. utilizes
Verb
  • Integrated photonics uses light to transmit and manipulate information within compact circuits.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sand criticized Iowa's education savings account, or voucher, program, which uses public money to help families pay private school tuition.
    — Sheila Brummer, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of uses
Verb
  • This book manages to deliver on the promise of the jaunt without losing any of the rigor.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Her lips were frosted with a sheen of seashell pink, which manages to be both wintry and summery at the same time.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of manages
Verb
  • The Government Accountability Office has highlighted these challenges as the Air Force works toward replacing its aging ICBM fleet.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Democrat is running for Precinct 2 commissioner to create a government that works for everyday people, prioritizing lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of works
Verb
  • Proponents say the measure applies to eight categories of projects California communities need to expand housing, improve civic infrastructure and promote green energy.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • On the other hand, many of these albums are timeless and continue to resonate, and today’s streaming culture has embraced exhuming catalog music — something that applies not only to old singles, but to old albums.
    — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of applies
Verb
  • Cappu also operates out of Beijing and handles select releases in its home market and mainland China.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Northrop Grumman leads development of the three-stage solid-fuel missile, while Lockheed Martin handles its next-generation reentry vehicle.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of handles
Verb
  • Although labs such as DeepSeek and Moonshot AI are private, the state supervises them at every stage and, increasingly, finances them.
    — NIALL FERGUSON, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Request the treating physician’s name and qualifications, then ask who performs each stage and how the physician supervises the team.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of supervises
Verb
  • The company now performs in a basement and is equipping an additional bomb shelter.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Among them was her friend Olivia Rodrigo, who booked Johanningmeier, who performs as Devon Again, for an early-day slot.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of performs
Verb
  • La Dame utilizes some ingredients only seen here, such as France’s superb Normandy butter.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Plus, Skullcandy's Crusher Bass technology utilizes dedicated bass drivers to really give you a head-banging experience, sending bone-shattering bass pulsating through your skull.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of utilizes

Browse Nearby Words

operated
operates
operatic
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Cite this Entry

“Operates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operates. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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