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Definitions

operate

[op-uh-reyt] / ˈɒp əˌreɪt /
VERB
perform, function
Synonyms
STRONGEST
achieve act complete conduct do engage keep move produce promote run serve take transport work
STRONG
accomplish advance behave bend benefit burn click compel concern contact contrive convey cook determine direct enforce exert finish fulfill go hit hum influence lift ordain percolate proceed progress react revolve roll spin tick turn
WEAK
act on be in action bring about carry on get results produce a result
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abstain cease consume destroy discontinue disenchant dishonor fail give give up halt hold idle ignore let go lose miss neglect receive refrain refuse reject release remain repulse stop
STRONG
abandon begin create decrease drop hesitate hinder maintain overlook retreat retrogress start steady
VERB
manage, use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer conduct drive handle keep play run work
STRONG
command maneuver manipulate ordain pilot ply steer wield
WEAK
be in charge be in driver's seat be in saddle call the play call the shots call the signals carry on hold the reins make go pull the strings pull the wires run the show run things sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
halt mismanage neglect stop
STRONG
leave alone
VERB
perform surgery
Synonyms
STRONGEST
explore set
STRONG
amputate cut excise remove transplant treat
WEAK
carve up open up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of the first signs Cook planned to operate differently came in 2012: Apple announced it would use some of its significant cash reserves—then $100 billion—to issue a dividend and buy back stock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

More concerning to critics is a decision by the Space Force in December to invite rocket companies to build and operate a “super heavy” launchpad on the base with an even more powerful rocket.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

This would prevent airlines losing valuable slots if they were unable to operate services.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Meade predicts that China will be observing events there for clues and scenario analysis as to how they might operate in the event of a blockade or invasion of Taiwan.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Does Ridge Sabio know how to operate any motor vehicles common in this time period?

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing operate

Space

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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Nine Stories

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