1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of operates
It’s been really awesome to watch the difference in how everyone operates.
—
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
The current system operates at relatively modest energies, producing visible light.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources owns and operates the lock and spillway.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Nikol Marie Rodriguez, 29, of Miramar, is a teacher at Primera Iglesia Hispana de la Biblia Abierta, which operates Peace Christian Academy at 490 East 50th Street.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
The model operates like a senior software engineer, demonstrating an ability to spot subtle bugs and self-correct mistakes.
—Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026
Amazon operates under similar incentives.
—Satya Marar, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Today, Rocket Lab builds and operates the highly successful Electron light-class launcher and is developing a partially reusable medium-lift rocket named Neutron.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026
Trellis, which operates seasonally, hosts events Friday through Sunday for 22 weeks a year.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
The current system operates at relatively modest energies, producing visible light.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources owns and operates the lock and spillway.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Nikol Marie Rodriguez, 29, of Miramar, is a teacher at Primera Iglesia Hispana de la Biblia Abierta, which operates Peace Christian Academy at 490 East 50th Street.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
The model operates like a senior software engineer, demonstrating an ability to spot subtle bugs and self-correct mistakes.
—Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026
Amazon operates under similar incentives.
—Satya Marar, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Today, Rocket Lab builds and operates the highly successful Electron light-class launcher and is developing a partially reusable medium-lift rocket named Neutron.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026
Trellis, which operates seasonally, hosts events Friday through Sunday for 22 weeks a year.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operates
Verb
-
The lab uses seawater to wash the aquariums.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
For example, exercise helps lower triglycerides – a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy, but can raise your risk of heart disease when levels are too high.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Forget insight into its subject’s strange, warped personal life, or his artistry as an entertainer, or his family’s famously fraught dynamics — Michael barely manages the momentum needed to propel itself between the many musical numbers that are its main reason for existing.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The neighborhood The eastern Algarve is an area that manages to fall under the radar of most tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The easy-on, easy-off design is a win for airport security, while the sporty silhouette works with everything from jeans and sweatpants to even skirts.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Apr. 2026
-
There’s no set price—that’s how dynamic pricing works.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The annual all-inclusive discounted online ticket sale applies to more than 4,000 concerts nationwide, including more than 80 upcoming shows in San Diego.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The same incentive structure applies here.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Munich focuses on research and development, Parsdorf handles near-series cell manufacturing, and Salching supports recycling through BMW’s direct recycling process.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Along with working with the finance department and the league office, Davidov handles the bulk of the team’s contract research and leads some free-agency meetings in the offseason.—
Mike Kaye
April 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Chinese government officially recognizes five religions — Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism and Islam — and tightly supervises them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The group recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who represent children in the foster care system in juvenile courts, according to its website.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Attorney-client privilege typically shields most details about the legal work each timekeeper performs, but the Tribune was able to obtain other billing and payment data from the city under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act.—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Hathaway performs several original songs by Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX and FKA Twigs.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Those keen on cottagecore will be happy with bathroom decor that utilizes reclaimed pine and its gorgeous grain patterns.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The Chernobyl site utilizes a dual-layer containment system to manage the remains of reactor unit 4.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operates. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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