Synonyms for manage

verb

1. To direct

   lead, oversee, direct, administer, conduct, supervise, control, mastermind, engineer, carry on, execute, handle, watch, guide, engage in, officiate, pilot, steer, minister, regulate, manipulate, maneuver, dominate, officiate, superintend, preside, head, run, operate, administrate, quarterback, be at the head of, be responsible for, deal with, maintain, care for, take over, take care of, watch over, have in one's charge, look after, see to, train, instruct, disburse, distribute, husband, arrange, command, govern, steward, boss, occupy the chair, run the show*, call the shots, call the tune*, be at the helm*, take the helm*, run a tight ship*, be in the driver's seat*; see also command 2.

   Antonyms obey*, follow, take orders.

2. To contrive

   accomplish, bring about, effect; see achieve 1, contrive 2, succeed 1.

3. To get along

   bear up, survive, scrape by*, get by*; see endure 2.

manage implies supervision that involves the personal handling of all details to manage a department; control implies firm direction by regulation or restraint and often connotes complete domination the school board controls the system; conduct implies supervising by using one's executive skill, knowledge, and wisdom to conduct a sales campaign; direct implies less supervision of actual details, but stresses the issuance of general orders or instructions to direct the construction of a dam