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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 so-called framework agreement didn’t end up resulting in a pact that could reunite the game’s best players and both continued to operate independently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

If courts allow his suit to proceed, they will finally compel immigration agents to operate within the Constitution—or face consequences for defying it.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

By 2035, the company plans to operate more than 7,000 satellites, broadening its coverage.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

“The agents, they don’t know how to operate in these situations,” said Christy Lopez, a former Justice Department attorney who spent years investigating misconduct by law enforcement.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Technology came first, because it is possible to make machines by trial and error without fully understanding the principles on which they operate.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Vocabulary lists containing operate

Space

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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Nine Stories

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