cooperate

verb

co·​op·​er·​ate kō-ˈä-pə-ˌrāt 

cooperated; cooperating; cooperates

intransitive verb

1

: to act or work with another or others : act together or in compliance

refused to cooperate with the police

2

: to associate with another or others for mutual benefit

nations cooperating to fight terrorism

cooperator

kō-ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• band (together)
• collaborate
• concert
• concur
• conjoin
• conspire
• join
• league
• team (up)
• unite

Examples of cooperate in a Sentence

It will be much easier if everyone cooperates.

Several organizations cooperated in the relief efforts.

The country agreed to cooperate with the other nations on the trade agreement.

The mother asked the child to put on his pajamas, but the child refused to cooperate.

Witnesses were willing to cooperate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kenneth Chesebro, a Wisconsin native and attorney who orchestrated the fake elector plot in key swing states won by Biden, is reportedly cooperating with investigators in the state. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

The domestic politics back in member states will inevitably put pressure on how those elected to the European Parliament cooperate with their colleagues. —Luke McGee, CNN, 9 June 2024

The driver of the Tesla, who remained at the scene and is cooperating with police, was not injured. —Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 9 June 2024

In a report filed in Monterey County Superior Court in late February, Leslie said Step Up hasn’t cooperated with him either. —Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin cooperatus, past participle of cooperari, from Latin co- + operari to work — more at operate

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cooperate

verb

co·​op·​er·​ate kō-ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt 

cooperated; cooperating

: to act, work, or associate with others so as to get something done