What is another word for operate?

Common synonyms for operate include function, work, go, run.

What is the past tense of operate?

The past tense of operate is operated.

/ˈɑpəɹeɪt/verb3 syllables

Operate means: perform as expected when applied.

verb, as in perform as expected when applied

verb, as in handle and cause to function

verb, as in perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense

manoeuver, maneuver, manoeuvre

verb, as in keep engaged

verb, as in direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.

verb, as in perform surgery on

operate on

verb

perform as expected when applied“The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in”

handle and cause to function“do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol”

perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense

keep engaged“engaged the gears”

direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.“She is running a relief operation in the Sudan”

perform surgery on“The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life”

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

four syllables

Show 3 near rhymes

Occasionally a dog will back up, but usually dogs operate in a forward gear.Eccles17
Without electricity, bakeries won't be able to operate.Amastan
Without water, hospitals in the besieged territory can't operate effectively.Amastan
Without fuel, ambulances in the besieged territory can't operate effectively.Amastan
Special forces operate in high-value strategic contexts, often undercover or abroad.Igider
Of course, a license is needed to operate a crane.fcbond
Grandma figured out how to operate the remote control, but forgot the next day.Eccles17
You don't know how to operate a forklift, do you?CK

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

as a verb