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

That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026

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

Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million. — Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

The main reason behind it was an increase in non-operating expenses and higher income tax in the quarter. — Trefis Team, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022

Verb

One of the most striking details in Samsung's latest earnings report is that its operating profit significantly exceeded market expectations. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

The command also released a video clip featuring images of military working dogs operating alongside US personnel at locations across the Middle East. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Most children are forgotten in cars when caregivers are operating on autopilot mode while juggling several responsibilities at once. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

The organization is telling vacationers that their behavior matters during the current crisis, even if their hotel or resort is operating normally. — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Any rider under age 16 operating a class two e-bike must first complete a free safety training. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

By operating as both a co-working and co-living hub, the nonprofit organization is injecting new energy, creativity, and money into the region. — Liz Provencher, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

What complicates this topic is the Big Ten and SEC operating on different television cycles. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

An investigation has been opened to determine why the tunnels collapsed, identify the victims and those responsible for operating the site, as well as establish any potential criminal liability, the statement said. — Jean Fernand Koena, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026