cooperate
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for cooperate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To work together with others toward a shared goal.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use cooperate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cooperate with authorities
refuse to cooperate
cooperate fully
Etymology
From Late Latin cooperari ("to work with"), built from co- ("together") plus operari ("to work") — the same root that gives us "operate."
Full origin of cooperate →Frequently asked questions
What does “cooperate” mean?
The word “cooperate” means to work together with others toward a shared goal. In plain terms, to work with someone else instead of against them or alone.
How do you pronounce “cooperate”?
“Cooperate” is pronounced koh-OP-uh-rayt (/koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cooperate” in a sentence?
Here is “cooperate” used in a sentence: “The two departments agreed to cooperate on the new project.”
What is another word for “cooperate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cooperate” include coact, coadjute, co-op, liaise, make common cause and play ball.
What part of speech is “cooperate”?
“Cooperate” is a verb.
Where does the word “cooperate” come from?
The word “cooperate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin cooperari ("to work with"), built from co- ("together") plus operari ("to work") — the same root that gives us "operate.".
Is “cooperate” a common word?
“Cooperate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between cooperate and collaborate?
Cooperate generally means working together with others toward a shared goal, often by each party doing their part without necessarily combining efforts closely. Collaborate implies a more active, joint working relationship, such as co-creating a project together, rather than simply supporting a shared aim.
Is cooperate spelled with a hyphen?
Cooperate is most commonly spelled as one word without a hyphen in current standard usage, though the older hyphenated form co-operate still appears, particularly in British English and older texts.
What does it mean to cooperate with authorities?
To cooperate with authorities means to work together with police, investigators, or officials by providing information, following instructions, or otherwise assisting an official process, rather than resisting or obstructing it.
