1
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in operating
being in effective operation
the last operative bookbinder of its kind in the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result
unfortunately, the operative amount of the medication and the lethal amount were too close for it to be used safely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of operative
Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Of the approximately 200 media operatives killed in Gaza in 22 months of war, around 50 have been deliberately targeted, while many others were killed in strikes impacting civilians in the strip, rather than while reporting, Thibaut Bruttin, RSF's director general, told Newsweek.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Whether Iran is weeks, months or years away from being able to test a weapon after the damage inflicted on its program is not the operative question.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for operative
Noun
Ari Ben Menashe, a onetime Israeli operative whom Israeli and American officials have said is a fabulist who vastly exaggerates and fabricates, claims to have run Epstein as an asset.
—Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Of the approximately 200 media operatives killed in Gaza in 22 months of war, around 50 have been deliberately targeted, while many others were killed in strikes impacting civilians in the strip, rather than while reporting, Thibaut Bruttin, RSF's director general, told Newsweek.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Hydrotherapy is often used to help conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, spinal injuries, lack of mobility due to old age, obesity, post operative treatment, and ACL injuries.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Whether Iran is weeks, months or years away from being able to test a weapon after the damage inflicted on its program is not the operative question.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for operative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operative
Noun
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Set in 1964, the story is chronologically the first in the series, following Snake’s ascension to legendary solder/spy status before taking a more villainous turn in the original Metal Gear (1987).—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
22 Aug. 2025
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However, once fans clicked on the link, they were taken to a moving image suggesting that an IMF spy radio is relaying a message.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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And when this happens, victims and the FBI call Joe Ford, a detective with a particular set of skills.—
Stayton Bonner,
Robb Report,
24 Aug. 2025
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Here's what police and prosecutors say happened to Ralph Taylor III on the night of July 10 Rachel Smith, a Milwaukee police detective, testified officers were sent to a home on the 9100 block of North 79th Street, just after 9:30 p.m. They were sent there to respond to a call of a shooting.—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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The disconnect between operating performance and net income suggests potential one-time gains or non-operating income that may not be sustainable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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For example studies by PWC and Experian showed more efficient budgeting with around 20% savings.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Such extensive reuse is a core part of SpaceX's vision to make spaceflight cheaper and more efficient.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Sanctuary communities often restrict local law enforcement from working directly with federal immigration agents, in hopes that immigrants – including those without permanent legal status – will feel safe enough to report crimes.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
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So if there isn’t a sudden preference for old over new, and real estate agents like Weingarten say there isn’t, then what explains the anomaly in the aggregate, national level data?—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Cincinnati's police union has accused the city of ordering investigators to bring the charge.—
Kevin Grasha,
The Enquirer,
29 Aug. 2025
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Those practices were outlined in a hiring document investigators included in a letter sent to California officials Wednesday.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While the system has previously suffered delays to getting back on track, MIA’s Chin now says the fourth station will open and Skytrain will be fully operational by mid-September 2025.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
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Although many events have struggled due to mounting talent and operational costs, changing ticket buying behaviour, climate change and other factors, Untitled Group and its flagship fest BTV this year celebrate their tenth anniversary.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One dose is about 93% effective, the health director said.—
Beth Warren,
The Tennessean,
28 Aug. 2025
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The heart-condition description is doubly effective, ever since Edwards broke the tickers of ardent devotees of the series.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operative. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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