Operating
Operating adjective - Being in effective operation.
Usage example: the only operating nuclear power plant in the state
Working is a synonym for operating in action topic. In some cases you can use "Working" instead the word "Operating" as an adjective or a noun or an adverb, when it comes to topics like deed, functioning, work flow. popular alternative
Working
Working adjective - Being in effective operation.
Usage example: the only working coal mine in the area
Operating is a synonym for working in action topic. You can use "Operating" instead the word "Working" as an adjective or a noun or an adverb, if it concerns topics such as deed, functioning, work flow. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- The back guy can also be working the craft's operating maintenance systems to attempt to keep the craft operating even as the pilot is pushing the envelope trying to keep them from being shot down.
Source: Guy in Back -
Only Yonas revelation that Timmy is trapped under the floor operating the train prevents this from working.
Source: Film / Snowpiercer -
The technician operating the machine doesn't really believe Dietrich is an alien, but he also doesn't believe the machine isn't working perfectly.
Source: Series / Barney Miller
Cite this Source
Working and Operating. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/operating/working
Operating & Working. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/operating/working>.
Working or Operating. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/operating/working.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "operating" and "working" have occurred on timeline