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 Imad, from Lebanon, operates back of the house cooking chicken shawarma, gyros, falafel and their delicious house salads. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 Unlike Hamas, which deliberately targets Israeli civilians, the IDF takes all feasible precautions to mitigate harm to civilians and operates under a structured targeting framework designed to ensure the identification of lawful military objectives. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 At the time, Tharanco, which owns or operates nearly 30 brands including Greg Norman, Dunning, Joseph A, Hi-Tec and Scarlett, had grand ambitions for growing the Nick Graham business. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 The capital from the acquisition will allow Bleecker to continue to operate its film business and build out its event label, Crosswalk. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate

Verb

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates US data centers used about 17 billion gallons of water for cooling in 2023, and that could double or even quadruple by 2028.

— Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
However, the available demonstration does not specify the training setup, how responsibilities the divided between the learning methods, or the precise control architecture used during execution.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

For younger consumers who have always managed much of their lives through apps, these experiences often feel like different versions of the same activity.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Separate nozzles also don't solve the problems of bonding incompatible materials or managing different printing temperatures.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

By contrast, the new fabric utilizes the visible white light that's already being used in hospitals.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
LaBranche has become a master of sleight of hand and confusing defenses as the Warriors utilize a ton of misdirection and a plethora of running backs to keep the opposition guessing about who is getting the ball.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of utilize

Verb

Tippett’s team animated physical puppets, while ILM handled compositing and digital fire, smoke and explosions.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Needless to say, the system has to be robust enough to handle battlefield conditions, including electronic warfare and communications blackouts.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of handle

Verb

Fisker Automotive said that an internal investigation supervised by transportation regulators found salt corrosion had caused a short circuit in the battery, leading to the fire, rather than a preexisting defect.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Moton discussed it and his future with numerous people, including his family and Panthers team doctor Nancy Gritter, who supervised much of his care.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of supervise

Verb

Employee working with open food not wearing effective hair restraint.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Verb

The approach applies manufacturing practices to research and development, allowing engineers and machinists to modify components and processes quickly as designs evolve.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.

— Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of apply

Browse Nearby Words

operant

operate

operated

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of operate

verb

Example Sentences

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