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

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

This, even while operating at an annual revenue disadvantage. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 16 July 2026

Following political changes after anti-government protests in 2019, independent bookstores have been operating in an even more challenging environment. — Kanis Leung, Fortune, 16 July 2026

An investigation revealed the men forced their way into the home, changed the locks and began operating a counterfeit currency manufacturing operation, police said. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

In the eastern Indian Ocean, south of Java in the vast sea stretching toward Australia, a fishing vessel slightly alters its course while operating near the boundary of its authorized fishing ground. — IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026

The carousel horses, exquisitely painted and bedazzled, are valued at over $30,000 apiece, said Sean Butler, the chief operating officer of Butler Amusements, the family-run business that owns the fair’s rides. — Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

The business generated revenue of $974 million in the company’s latest quarterly report, with operating income of $479 million, enormous margins that reflect Disney’s heavy focus on licensing through partners like Champion. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Michael Butler, 44, was operating the Tesla Model 3 that killed Martha Avila on June 19. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 16 July 2026

Central to its business model is ownership of the intellectual property behind its productions, rather than operating solely as a service provider. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 16 July 2026