OPERATED Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

operated

verb

past tense of operate

as in used

to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in managed

to look after and make decisions about it takes years to learn how to operate that kind of business so that it makes money

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in worked

to produce a desired effect the medicine will take an hour or so to operate the first time you use it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utilized

to put into action or service wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of operated The answers depend on how services are operated and the commitments companies are prepared to make. — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 The affected rail line, used by trains operated by Metrolink and Amtrak that connect Orange County to San Diego and offer picturesque ocean views, has long been threatened by coastal erosion. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 The engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder operated via rocker arms. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 Three tours are made of the property every day (operated by the Honolulu Academy of Arts, 866-385-3849). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 The bad news is that Casa Barron is gone, but it was replaced by a legit Mexican restaurant operated by one of the the real good guys in the food industry. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The restaurant operated for two years and closed earlier this summer. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 The studio is now the Barbara Hepworth Museum, operated by Tate. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The service previously operated the EC-130Q for TACAMO duties from 1963 through 1993, according to Lockheed Martin. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operated

Verb

The fraudsters used deepfakes to pose as the company’s chief financial officer on a video call.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Metallurgical coal used for steelmaking was the last critical material to be given the designation in 2025.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of used

Verb

For decades, Buck and Aikman’s equally dry sense of humor worked, and there was never the slightest appearance of friction.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Ichiyama has worked closely with Chinese-language auteurs including Hou Hsiao-hsien and Jia Zhangke, and says the mainland industry changed sharply in the mid-2000s.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of worked

Verb

At the time, the team utilized a different error-correction method called Helix to demonstrate record-setting logical memory and computation.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Atlanta's fourth-quarter comeback attempt allowed tight end Kyle Pitts to show why he should have been better utilized earlier in the game.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of utilized

Verb

The second-year fifth-round pick started at the MIKE spot and handled green-dot responsibilities on his way to recording six tackles and being active throughout the night.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Resolution is often a complex legal and financial negotiation, best handled by experienced advisors who understand creditor behavior.

— Nathan Mor, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of handled

Verb

And insurers controlled by former Los Angeles Lakers owner Mark Walter lent billions to companies tied to his financial empire, leading to lawsuits and an SEC investigation.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Most concerning of all was Dolan’s installation of his longtime crony, Isaiah Thomas, on the board of a new corporate entity that controlled the Knicks.

— Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of controlled

Verb

Two experienced military observers described a silent craft that performed abrupt maneuvers before disappearing.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Previously, Los Tigres del Norte performed at Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s final rally before Election Day in 2024.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of performed

Verb

The gorgeous and tasty caramel and cream cheese frosting looks the best when applied with a small offset spatula to give it that swirly effect on the cake.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
While traditionally only achievable in real life through plastic surgery or extreme makeup, it can be applied instantly online using beauty filters.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of applied

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operate

operated

operates

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“Operated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operated. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of operated

verb

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