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

Reportedly, this system operates through a two-way connection, linking real-time image recognition directly with surgical manipulation. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

SpaceX already operates its Starbase spaceport in rural Texas, as well as launchpads at government spaceports on the coasts of California and Florida. — Elizabeth Howell, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026

And that difficulty with accountability operates at every level of the data center tech stack. — Petala Ironcloud, ArsTechnica, 7 Sep. 2026

Far Out also operates Press Cafe, Towne Grill and Maria’s Mexican Kitchen along with Felipe’s Bar & Grill in Odessa, the Grill in San Angelo and Bosque Cantina in Walnut Springs. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Sep. 2026

Now, Moffitt owns and operates two brick-and-mortar Moon Shots Super Food Cafes, his Guilford location opening in 2023, and a second location in Branford that opened six months ago. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Amazon Air operates a fleet of more than 100 cargo aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and 767 and the Airbus A330. — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Israel’s military operates in all parts of the West Bank, but rights groups have said the military frequently turns a blind eye to settler violence. — Ibrahim Hazboun, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Now, the Ranch operates year-round, and there are over 1,200 students. — Sarah Douglas, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026