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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.

Lee wanted the comforts available to Monte Vista Point members to feel “almost surreal,” but also for his main characters to operate just outside of that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

This suggests that cells in the body operate with fewer available nutrients, which limits their ability to absorb nanoparticles.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

The aim of Alpha is to produce more energy than it uses to operate, and the lessons learned are helping to design of an even more advanced device - a fusion power plant, called Stellaris.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 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

“A factory cannot run without a firm hand. You cannot show weakness. For a business to operate at its fullest potential, everything must be in top order.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Vocabulary lists containing operate

Space

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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Nine Stories

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