operation
18 synonyms and 0 antonyms for operation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The way something works, or the act of making it work.
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.
How to use operation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin operatio, "a working," from the verb operari — the same root as "operate."
Full origin of operation →Frequently asked questions
What does “operation” mean?
The word “operation” means the way something works, or the act of making it work. In plain terms, a task, procedure, or process being carried out, whether it's a business plan, a military mission, a surgery, or a math step.
How do you pronounce “operation”?
“Operation” is pronounced op-uh-RAY-shuhn (/ˌɑ.pəˈɹeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “operation” in a sentence?
Here is “operation” used in a sentence: “The operation of the new machine is simpler than expected.”
What part of speech is “operation”?
“Operation” is a noun.
Where does the word “operation” come from?
The word “operation” comes from Latin. From Latin operatio, "a working," from the verb operari — the same root as "operate.".
Is “operation” a common word?
“Operation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “operation” have?
“Operation” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way something works, or the act of making it work.
What is the difference between operation and function?
An operation is the working or running of something — the act of making it work and the way it does so. A function is the purpose it serves or the job it's meant to do. A machine's function is what it's for; its operation is how it actually runs in practice.
What are the different meanings of operation?
Beyond the working or running of something, 'operation' has several senses: a surgical procedure ('a knee operation'), a planned military or organised effort ('a rescue operation'), a mathematical process like addition, and a business's activities ('overseas operations'). Context shows which meaning applies.
What does 'in operation' mean?
'In operation' means up and running, active, and doing its job. A factory in operation is producing goods; a rule in operation is currently in force. The phrase describes something that is not just switched on but actually functioning as intended at that time.
What is an example of 'operation' in a sentence?
'The operation of the machine is simple' describes how it works. 'Staff explained the safe operation of the lift' refers to making it work correctly. Both use 'operation' in its core sense — the running of something — rather than the surgical or military meanings the word can also carry.