Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for administer.
Definitions

administer

[ad-min-uh-ster] / ædˈmɪn ə stər /
VERB
manage an organization or effort
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise
STRONG
boss control head render run superintend
WEAK
be in the driver's seat be in the saddle crack the whip head up hold the reins pull the strings pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
leave neglect obey
STRONG
follow
WEAK
deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold
VERB
dispense something needed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apply authorize deliver disburse distribute execute extend give impose perform provide regulate serve
STRONG
apportion bring contribute deal furnish inflict issue offer portion proffer supply tender
WEAK
dole out measure out mete out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail hoard hold keep maintain refrain retain take withhold
STRONG
deny refuse shun take back withdraw
WEAK
forego frustrate mismanage neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With his older brother John, he ran a school, having left a previous teaching post from a disinclination to administer corporal punishment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Desperate to help his sick dog, one Australian man went down the ultimate ChatGPT research hole, using artificial intelligence to design a personalised experimental treatment and finding top scientists to administer it.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Typically, they hire benefits firms or insurance companies just to administer their plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

The constitution explicitly gives states the power to regulate and administer the “times, places and manner of holding elections,” but Congress “may at any time by law make or alter such regulations.”

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

So did the two regents left in Qosqo by Wayna Qhapaq to administer the empire.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.