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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.

The results of Thursday's local elections suggest that it may see the country's first-past-the-post electoral system operate in an unfamiliar manner too.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

UniCredit, one of the few Western banks that continues to operate in Russia, has made its biggest step yet to exit the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The standard has since been lowered to 3,000 Kelvins, but many fixtures installed before 2016 still operate around 4,000 Kelvins, according to Bureau of Street Lighting director Miguel Sangalang.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Three years later, a European consortium -- Lobito Atlantic Railway, or LAR -- won a 30‑year concession to operate the line, transport minerals and manage Lobito's mineral terminal.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The enlarger was brand new and far easier to operate than the one his father had had back on Shogund Street.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

Vocabulary lists containing operate

Space

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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Nine Stories

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