Synonyms of operating

operating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tiŋ 

as in operational

being in effective operation

the only operating nuclear power plant in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operational
• operative
• functioning
• running
• working
• going
• on
• active
• functional
• operable
• in force
• live
• alive
• living
• in commission
• on line
• effective
• viable
• producing
• performing
• in gear
• serving
• effectual
• useful
• usable
• flourishing
• employable
• workable
• humming
• productive
• yielding
• thriving
• busy
• dynamic
• bustling
• roaring
• astir

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• broken
• dead
• inoperative
• inactive
• nonoperative
• nonfunctioning
• nonfunctional
• nonoperating
• nonoperational
• ineffective
• useless
• nonactivated
• ineffectual
• decommissioned
• deactivated
• arrested
• idle
• kaput
• inoperable
• unusable
• unworkable
• dormant
• quiescent
• inert
• latent
• fallow
• asleep
• unproductive
• sleepy
• nonproductive
• lifeless
• stagnating
• vegetating

operating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of operate

1

as in handling

to control the mechanical operation of

do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

• handling
• using
• working
• running
• driving
• manipulating
• controlling
• wielding
• guiding
• maneuvering
• steering
• directing
• plying
• commanding
• piloting

2

as in managing

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

• managing
• supervising
• controlling
• overseeing
• handling
• running
• regulating
• conducting
• governing
• keeping
• administering
• guiding
• directing
• tending
• protecting
• presiding (over)
• superintending
• administrating
• carrying on
• watching over
• overlooking
• stewarding
• leading
• steering
• watching
• safeguarding
• piloting
• guarding
• caring (for)
• minding
• micromanaging
• codirecting
• stage-managing
• comanaging

3

as in working

to produce a desired effect

the medicine will take an hour or so to operate the first time you use it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• working
• performing
• taking
• acting
• reacting
• responding
• taking effect
• resulting
• taking hold
• affecting
• behaving
• influencing
• swaying
• redounding
• panning out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backfiring
• fizzling

4

as in using

to put into action or service

wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol

Synonyms & Similar Words

• using
• utilizing
• applying
• exploiting
• employing
• harnessing
• exercising
• drawing on
• making use of
• handling
• manipulating
• bringing to bear
• wielding
• working
• directing
• running
• recycling
• reusing
• cannibalizing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoring
• neglecting
• misusing
• misapplying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of operating

Adjective

True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others. — Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026

Verb

The charter school has worked to maintain its enrollment and identity despite operating in a succession of four locations since 2005. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

The test took place aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier operating in the Pacific Ocean. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026