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 Under the turnaround plan, Stewart wanted Goodyear to reach a 10% operating margin by the end of last year. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 Iran is believed to possess anti-ship missiles that, at least on paper, can threaten American warships operating in and around the Persian Gulf. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 The first Saudi air force personnel trained to operate the advanced drone graduated in Turkey in October 2025. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Two major auto plants operate in the area and employ about 10,000 people combined. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operate

Verb

Operators can also continue using diesel when hydrogen supplies are unavailable.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Razorbill brings that experience to one of the industry's most recognizable blade profiles, using extensive CNC machining to make geometry itself part of both the product's performance and its appearance.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

With much of the country's economy geared toward its lucrative and well-managed fishing industry, fishing rights have been a talking point in the run-up to the referendum.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Rebecca Sanders, a national safety practice leader at the transportation consulting firm Fehr & Peers, led a 2019 report at Arizona State University and Toole Design looking at various strategies used across the country to manage speed.

— Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

At this point, the two begin (deep sigh) performing lines from Romeo and Juliet while dressed as the title characters.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Participants perform duck walks, suitcase carries, bear crawls and overhead holds reminiscent of the log and boat carries in Marine boot camps.

— Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of perform

Verb

This looks like their feedback actually being utilized, their offers getting more personalized and their rewards becoming more tailored.

— Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Columbia Sportswear utilizes proprietary Omni-Freez Zero technology, which uses special polymer rings embedded in the fabric that react with sweat to pull heat away from the body.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of utilize

Verb

Loading silverware handles down and usable ends up ensures maximum cleanliness but may lead to accidents.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
Sánchez is facing mounting scrutiny amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, where the flood of thousands of migrants has angered residents in the tiny community, which is ill-equipped to handle such an influx.

— Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of handle

Verb

While not directly involved in controlling the system, humans give Spike rules of engagement all the while, supervising the entire system during operation.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Weerasethakul supervised the 4K restorations, which include remastered and remixed audio and new key art for each film.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of supervise

Verb

That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Upon the Lincoln’s arrival in the morning, service members could be seen working aboard the deck as loudspeakers played announcements about the process for disembarkation.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of work

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of operate

verb

Example Sentences

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