OPERATE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

operate

verb

ˈä-pə-ˌrāt

Definition of operate

as in to use

to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to manage

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

as in to perform

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

as in to utilize

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of operate History of safety complaints Former pilots of 21 Air, the air-cargo company operating the Amazon Prime plane that fatal Sunday, had previously gone on record shining light on a host of safety complaints well before the crash. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Until recently, the academy operated as a private organization with a board that included Little League members — including Odalys Valladares, the league’s previous president. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Measure your outcomes, operate within a set timeline, and commit to using the technology every day during that time. — Vidya Plainfield, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 The movement was organized around imagining how stillness could operate according to human rights policies. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate

Verb

The setback sparked wide speculation that Sánchez would move forward the general election and use the momentum on the housing issue against his right-wing opponents.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Although the problem warrants a systemic fix, the best short-term solution is for hospitals to create more nuanced documentation tools, and for clinicians to exercise judgment when using them.

— Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

The captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the attacker.

— SAM MEDNICK, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The new company will be controlled by the Ellison family alongside Gerry Cardinale, founder and managing partner of RedBird Capital Partners.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

During the themed show, the dancers performed to many of Carey’s songs from over the years.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
His new project, Flop, aims to create a spot market for computing power, where participants are rewarded with Flop tokens for providing GPUs and performing AI inference.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of perform

Verb

The landscape designers have ingeniously utilized desalinated water from the nearby sea, ensuring a sustainable water source.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Fontaine maintained the best evaluations come when scouting is utilized along with numbers.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of utilize

Verb

The size of the award points to a sustained requirement for interceptors capable of handling multiple threats.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Licensing and brand consultancy Black White Orange (BWO) is handling fan engagement, consumer experiences and promotional activations, and Happening 365 Synergies is advising on strategy and the market.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of handle

Verb

Instead, before the site visit, supervising special investigator Jeffrey Eggert wrote in an email to the team that pursuing charges was not the priority.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Experienced workers are needed not only to fill jobs, but to mentor apprentices, supervise jobsite learning, and teach the next generation.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of supervise

Verb

Anderson of Johns Hopkins has been working with a dozen other researchers, through grants from Arnold Ventures, to study prices more and contemplate state-level legislation that mirrors the CBO’s options.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Last week, a crew of 25 people worked from early Monday through late Friday to get the second-term transformation ready, making the finishing touches on Saturday.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Browse Nearby Words

operant

operate

operated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of operate

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes