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Showing results for operate. Search instead for operate/2.
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.

For example, Sciortino cites the impressive number of workers who can operate CNC machines - a type of computer-controlled machine tool which can cut, carve, or shape materials including wood, metal, or plastic.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

To demonstrate its capabilities, the team used the fuel cell to operate sensors that measure soil moisture and detect touch.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

The Eastlands are planning, instead, to operate its sister camp: Mystic Cypress Lake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

“There was a guy who was terrorizing the front of Clifton’s because he decided he wanted to live in the vestibule in front, and he didn’t want us to operate there,” Meieran said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

He would see her on the porch working at the sewing machine, which she had learned to operate with admirable skill, and he would not even speak to her.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Vocabulary lists containing operate

Space

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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Nine Stories

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