operates

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.

Today, it operates in a few cities but is not generating significant sales or earnings.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

The company operates through residential, luxury, commercial, and new-development divisions, all of which will be active in Texas from day one.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

Coughlans Bakery – which operates a chain of shops across Kent, Surrey, West Sussex and south London – announced it had ceased trading on Tuesday after it went into voluntary liquidation.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

The Downtown Women’s Center operates a day shelter that offers some mail services, including stamps and envelopes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

This may seem counterintuitive at first, but if you pause to consider how the system actually operates this fact becomes obvious.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander